LAHAINA — Lifetime Lahaina resident Glen Delatori culminated eight years of martial arts practice in Shotokan Karate Do by recently achieving the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt) in an examination at Lahaina Civic Center.

Delatori, 52, originally began karate practice at the urging of his grandson, Dylan, who started taking the classes a few years before.

Glen immersed himself in the traditional Japanese style of martial arts training within the Lahaina Dojo, which is a branch of the Japan Karate Shotokai Hawaii.

This club is affiliated with the international organization headquartered in Japan and founded by the late Master Tetsuhiko Asai.

The examination for Delatori was administered by JKS Hawaii Chief Instructor Charles Lee, Rokudan (sixth degree black belt); Lahaina Chief Instructor Walter Chihara (Fourth Dan); and instructor Monty Carpenter (Second Dan).

The grueling test included Kihon (basic techniques); Kata, the formal exercises of Karate Do; and Kumite (sparring).

“Glen did well in his examination and has passed to the rank of Shodan,” commented Lee after the test.

“I will now start the process of Dan registration with the JKS main office in Tokyo, and they will then send the official certificate of achievement for Glen. Congratulations!”

“This karate training has provided a lot of inspiration for me and has led to healthy life adjustments for me,” said Delatori, who with his wife, Emmaline (“Auntie Babes”), has six children, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.