Gichin Funakoshi is known as the “father of modern karate.” He was the founder of the Shotokan style of karate. Master Funakoshi was born November 10, 1868 in Shuri, Naha, Okinawa, Japan and died April 26, 1957, in Tokyo, Japan.
We conduct kyu tests (rank testing for white and brown belts) twice each year on a Saturday close to the anniversaries of Master Funakoshi’s birth and his death.
David Altman began karate practice here in Kansas City under Jon Beltram. David ultimately settled in Lincoln, Nebraska where he founded the UNL Dojo in 1994. For the past thirty years, UNL members have joined us in Kansas City each April and November for kyu testing. This kyu test there were no UNL juniors to test, but David was joined by his senior students Quang Nguyen (nidan), Greg Tunink (nidan), Lien Phan (shodan), and Sam Giuffre (Ikkyu) for the fall Kansas City grading.
Kansas City black belts Mike Lyon, Carl Johnson, and Mike Kostroske were thrilled that eleven of their juniors participated in this kyu test and that they pushed themselves very hard throughout. A twelfth member is unable to practice on Saturdays and was tested the following Thursday.
At 11:00 sharp, David Altman gave a brief talk about the history of kyu test and encouraged everyone to do their best. As usual, we first lined up in order of seniority, were seated and made a brief meditation. Then David led an even longer than usual warmup and stretch (see Altman – Warmup) – nearly an hour of intense Yoga that left everyone vibrating and sweaty. Then we made our traditional pre-kyu-test practice of 480 basics plus 30 kata and then washed the floor.
A table and chairs were set up between the columns in the center of the dojo and candidates lined up and we bowed. The test was led by David Altman who was assisted by Mike Lyon and Carl Johnson. Nidans Quang Nguyen, Mike Kostroske and Greg Tunink led the juniors through basics, kata and kumite during the test.
Once seniors reached consensus, David announced the results:
| NAME | OLD RANK | NEW RANK |
| Kristin McKenzie | 2 | 1 |
| Beyuo Kuukole | 2 | 1 |
| Anicet Akanza | 2 | 1 |
| Benja Smith | 4 | 3 |
| Nick Tallmon | 5 | 3 |
| Michelle Khuu | unranked | 6 |
| Sarah Manuel | unranked | 6 |
| Arjuna Bennett | unranked | 7 |
| Aaron Kuaye | unranked | 8 |
| Veir LaVance | unranked | 8 |
| Sigeppi Muse | unranked | 8 |
| Adrian Thompson (tested later) | 2 | 1 |
After kyu test a bunch of us had a late lunch and laughs and stories at Lulu’s Thai Noodles,