Four Kelowna karate practitioners have achieved what most only dream of: their black belts.

After a gruelling three-day grading process at Rodney Hobson Karate Academy in Kelowna, Kyle Beaudoin, Emily Reid, Dan Voth and Steve Tamaki all passed their black belt exams.

Head instructor Rodney Hobson offers the following on the four successful candidates:

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Kyle Beaudoin, Shodan (1st degree black belt)

Kyle has trained at RHKA for 7 years, 5 days a week, 14+classes a week. This guy is an animal. While others burned out he kept working hard, every time he was in his gi. His dedication motivated him in his 'non-karate' life to overcome personal struggles which hospitalized him on many occasions. Kyle now teaches classes, competes on the international stage and is a strong member of our dojo.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Emily Reid, Shodan (1st degree black belt)

Emily has been a member of RHKA for 7 years. She has advanced from a articulate, super cute, proper young lady into a knowledgeable, fierce, tactician of the martial arts. She is a recognized KarateBC Official, NCCP certified instructor and First Aid certified teacher of some of the kid's programs. She is RHKA's second female black belt (Senpai Danielle Goudie being the first), and is an inspiration to all the young females and males in the dojo.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Steve Tamaki, Shodan (1st degree black belt)

Steve joined RHKA after many years off karate, he was previously a Nidan under Sensei Brian DeMasters. Steve is a perfect example of humility and humbleness. He insisted he start at white belt and work his way through the ranks again, without even informing us of his previous training until reaching Blue belt. His techniques are natural, strong, and seemingly effortless. His dedication not only to his own training but to helping the other member of RHKA is matched by few.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Dan Voth, Sandan (3rd degree black belt)

Senpai Dan has been a long-time karate practitioner starting in the early 1980s. Senpai Dan joined RHKA when his son, Robby, was training with our programs. He has been a steady member for many years and is always a welcome smile.

Those who have partnered with Senpai Dan for drills knows he does not take it easy, pushes you hard, and makes sure you get the most out of his time with you. Senpai Dan is always pushing himself to new levels, in the past year advancing his Karate BC Officials certification as well as certifying as an instructor through the NCCP, and attending seminars outside of our style.