Four new Black Belts at Stonetown Karate Centre

Sensei Jeremy Lorentz recently announced four new Black Belts at Stonetown Karate Centre Inc.
These students tested for and passed their Black Belt grading in mid-December of 2020.
Joanne King – 1st Degree Adult Black Belt
King has been a dedicated karate student, constantly learning and willing to help new members in class, Lorentz says.
She is focused and committed to constant growth–both mentally and physically–by attending the SKC’s Cardio-Kickboxing classes and Karate classes every week.
“It is an absolute pleasure having Joanne in class and her sense of humour and smile is contagious to all,” the Sensei said. “As a 1st Degree Black Belt, her journey has just started and we can hardly wait to see her enhance her knowledge in this sport.”
King is the third member of her family, along with her son Partick and daughter Aimee, to obtain a 1st Degree Adult Black Belt.
Lisa Sheldon – 1st Degree Adult Black Belt
Sheldon has trained under Sensei Lorentz, reaching many milestones during her training.
“While training to achieve her 1st Degree Black Belt, Lisa has been a member of Stonetown Karate’s National Team, competing in local and world competitions,” Lorentz says.
Her extra training and effort have paid off with many first-place titles at local tournaments and a huge accomplishment of earning two gold medals at the 2019 World Karate championships. “We couldn’t be more proud of her commitment to achieve such success in this sport,” Lorentz says.
For extra physical fitness, Sheldon also commits to the Cardio-Kickboxing class each week.
Justin Lariviere – Probationary 1st Degree Adult Black Belt
Lariviere started training as a Junior student and has evolved into an amazing young man, Lorentz says. “While training he displays focus, dedication and has an amazing ability to help others.”
During his training, Lariviere had the opportunity to be tested for a Probationary Adult Black Belt. He will maintain his probationary status for one year with continued training in which time he will be presented with his 1st Degree Adult Black Belt.
His journey to his Adult Black Belt will continue with training and instructing other students, the Sensei says.
James Skirten – Jr. Black Belt
Skirten’s dedication and love for the sport has paid off with him being the newest Junior Black Belt member of the Stonetown Karate Centre.
“The leadership qualities he has gained through his karate training has been an important part of his journey,” Lorentz says. “As a Junior Black Belt, James is now able to assist other students in a Junior leadership role, while continuing to train and enhance his knowledge to become an Adult Black Belt in the future.”
Skirten has also competed at many tournaments, bringing home multiple first-place finishes and was also a member of our National Team.
“It has been an absolute pleasure being Sensei to each of these students at Stonetown Karate,” Lorentz sums up. “With their continued focus, dedication and perseverance they practiced during their journey to Black Belt, Joanne, Lisa, Justin and James will achieve massive accomplishments in the future.
“The journey to Black Belt for these students has created such fond memories of smiles, laughter and friendship that will forever be cherished and we will always refer to them and all members as family. In karate, you just don’t make new friendships, you create life-long relationships,” he adds.