Shown from left in the back row are Joseph Souders, a first degree black belt, Master John Guilmartin, an eighth degree black belt, Master Dana Drury, a seventh degree black belt, Master Kevin Chenelle, a seventh degree black belt, Master Nancy Royalty, a seventh degree black belt, Master Neil Stone, a ninth degree black belt and owner of Neil Stone’s Karate Academy, Master Terry Boczar, an eighth degree black belt, Jacob Provost, a first degree black belt, Master Jeffrey MacDonald, an eighth degree black belt, Finn Sheehan, a first degree black belt and Glen Montalbo, a second degree black belt. Shown from left in the front row are, Wylder Ormerod, a level one black belt, Samuel Jones, a level one black belt, Ezra Wilkinson, a level one black belt, Simon Bresnahan, a level two black belt and Isabella Cavaleri, a level two black belt. Not pictured are David Lawrence, a fourth degree black belt and Joseph Marsano, a third degree black belt. Courtesy photo/Neil Stone’s Karate Academy

HOLLIS – Seventeen students of Neil Stone’s Karate Academy recently achieved the feat of being promoted to ranks as high as eighth degree black belt in Uechi-Ryū.

The testing and subsequent promotions were held during this year’s Uechiryu Butokukai Convention, held from Sept. 11-13 in Manchester.

These students have all toiled through the ranks under the watchful eye of Master Neil Stone, owner of the academy and a ninth degree black belt.

Within Stone’s group of 17 students, six masters were promoted to seventh and eighth degree black belt. They include Kevin Chenelle, Dana Drury and Nancy Royalty, who were promoted to seventh degree. Jeffrey MacDonald, Terry Boczar and John Guilmartin were promoted to eighth degree.

Drury began his training 28 years ago and has never backed down from a challenge.

Shown from left are Masters Kevin Chenelle, a seventh degree black belt, John Guilmartin, an eighth degree black belt, Nancy Royalty a seventh degree black belt, Jeffrey MacDonald, an eighth degree black belt, Dana Drury, a seventh degree black belt and Terry Boczar, an eighth degree black belt with their instructor, Master Neil Stone, a ninth degree black belt and owner of Neil Stone’s Karate Academy. Courtesy photo/Neil Stone’s Karate Academy

“Every class offers me new challenges to better myself,” he said. “The challenge and support from fellow students keeps me coming back.”

Royalty, who has been training since 1997, said she enjoys the camaraderie.

“Karate, particularly NSKA, has helped me stay active, flexible and confident as I have grown older,” she said. “It has also given me a community of people who challenge, support and inspire me.”

Chenelle said Uechi-Ryū has been a part of his life for more than 30 years.

“Under the guidance of my sensei, Neil Stone, I have learned the value of consistency, discipline and balance,” he said. “What has made the journey truly meaningful is the community within Uechi-Ryū, the people, shared commitment and support that have kept me learning, growing and coming back year after year.”

The other students who earned promotions are as follows: Joseph Souders to first degree black belt, Jacob Provost to first degree black belt, Finn Sheehan to first degree black belt, Glenn Montalbo to second degree black belt, Samuel Jones to level one black belt, Ezra Wilkinson to level one black belt, Simon Bresnahan to level two black belt, Isabella Cavaleri to level two black belt, Wylder Ormerod to level one black belt, David Lawrence to fourth degree black belt and Joseph Marsano to third degree black belt.

For the past 14 years, Lawrence has used Uechi-Ryū to adjust to life’s physical and mental challenges.

“True strength lies in honoring our commitments to ourselves and treating every individual in our NSKA dojo family with unwavering respect,” he said. “I strive to lead by example both in and out of the dojo, strengthening the trust and bond that unites our dojo family.”

Marsano has been studying the martial art since 2017 and has found it to be a great way to relieve stress.

“Having participated in classes led by various instructors at other dojos I can honestly say that Mr. Stone’s approach to teaching is not only unique but second to none,” he said. “Great attention to detail and an uncanny ability to know exactly how to reach each of his students. I truly appreciate him and everything NSKA has done for me.”

Stone said the promotions speak volumes about the dedication each student has to Uechi-Ryū.

“It’s very rewarding, I’m very proud of what we’ve established here,” he said.

Black belt testing is a rigorous six-step process that begins in November and concludes in September.

Stone also said he has meticulously blended the mental aspects of Uechi-Ryū with his style of teaching.

“Martial arts has always kept me grounded, when I’m on the floor, it’s just about those people,” said Stone. “It really enhances the inner being.”

He said students reach the end of the Uechi-Ryū curriculum once they earn their third degree black belt. Further promotion is based on time, refinement and mental control. Therefore, the level of intensity drops off for students testing for sixth degree and higher.

“For the master ranks, it’s much more about personality,” said Stone.

Neil Stone’s Karate Academy can be reached online at neilstoneskarate.com or at 603-672-8933.