Black Belt Testing
Black belt testing is a special event in the Laramie Kempo Karate Club where promotion to any degree black belt is not easy. Shodan, or first degree black belt, typically takes a minimum of 5 years and, more typically, 6 to 8 years. We hold the philosophy that attaining the rank of Shodan is the sign of a serious student – not the attainment of a final goal. It is a moment of celebration, though, for the instructors as well as those testing for black belt.
Black Belt testing was held August 27, 2022.
Bailey Abbott and Brian Baker, both long-time members of the club, were promoted to Nidan, second degree black belt. Lander Stone and Matthew Link were promoted to Shodan, 1st degree black belt. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put these three through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank.
Black Belt testing was held June 1, 2019.
Karen Rogers, who lives in Cheyenne, was promoted to 4th Dan Black Belt (Yodan) and Ed Kempema and Nick Haderlie (who lives in Saratoga) were promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan). Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put these three through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank. Karen first came to the Laramie Kempo Karate Club when she was 18 years old and, eventually, started the Wind River Karate Club in Pinedale. She has since moved to Cheyenne where she works with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Ed started with the Laramie Kempo Karate Club 12 years ago with his high school-aged son and daughter, of which one, Katie, is also a Laramie Kempo black belt. Ed helps teach both the youth and adult classes. Dr. Kempema is a a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wyoming. Nick started in the University of Wyoming karate class, taught by Shihan Amber Travsky, and then joined the dojo. He also has earned black belt rank in Judo and runs Platte Valley Martial Arts in Saratoga.
Black Belt testing was held May 5, 2018.
Adam Leduc and Dawson Poteet tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt) rank. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put these two through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank. Both Adam and Dawson started in the Laramie Kempo Club as young kids, ages 6 and 7. Their journey took them off on other activities from time to time but they always came back and, now, they are Laramie Kempo Black Belts.
Black Belt testing was held February 4, 2017.
Brian Baker and Bailey Abbott tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt) rank. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put Brian and Bailey through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank.
Black Belt testing was held May 5, 2018.
Adam Leduc and Dawson Poteet tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt) rank. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put these two through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank. Both Adam and Dawson started in the Laramie Kempo Club as young kids, ages 6 and 7. Their journey took them off on other activities from time to time but they always came back and, now, they are Laramie Kempo Black Belts.
Black Belt testing was held February 4, 2017.
Brian Baker and Bailey Abbott tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt) rank. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put Brian and Bailey through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank.
Black Belt testing was held May 9, 2015.
Ed and Katie Kempema, father and daughter, tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt) rank. Several visiting Laramie Kempo black belts were also present to not only put Ed and Katie through their paces, but also to celebrate their attainment of the rank.
Black Belt Testing and Promotions
A special black belt test was held on September 14, 2013.
Ross Tolman and Tiffany Young were tested for the Nidan rank
(second degree black belt).
Also in attendance in addition to Kyoshi Amber Travsky
were Kempo Black Belts:
- Rich Travsky (5th Dan) from Laramie
- Karen Rogers (3rd Dan) from Cheyenne
- Shawn Palmer (2nd Dan) from Laramie
- Nick Haderlie (1st Dan) from Sheridan.
Ross and Tiffany autograph boards they broke during their test.