Uechi-Ryū karate Master Neil Stone (far right) with students, Brian Edmonds, Frank Paetzold and Erika Cross-MacDonald, who were promoted to sixth degree black belt earlier this year. Courtesy photo/Neil Stone's Karate Academy

HOLLIS – Earlier this year, karate practitioners Erika Cross-MacDonald, Brian Edmonds and Frank Paetzold celebrated a milestone that few ever attain as they were promoted to sixth degree black belt in Uechi-Ryū, making them masters in that style of self-defense.

For more than 20 years, the three of them have toiled through the ranks under the instruction of Master Neil Stone, an eighth degree black belt in Uechi-Ryū and owner of Neil Stone’s Karate Academy.

“It’s a rewarding thing to keep a student for that long,” he said.

As masters, Cross-MacDonald, Edmonds and Paetzold have the authority to promote lower ranking students up to fifth degree black belt.

Stone now has 13 students with master ranks. However, for one reason or another, less than 25 percent of his students ever reach that level.

Uechi-Ryū karate Master Neil Stone (far left) with students Taylor Cushion, Jemil Patel and Arlene Smith. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

“Life, oftentimes, gets in the way,” he said.

The test was held during the Uechi-Ryū Butokukai’s annual Uechi Con event in Manchester. Stone said the testing board included 11 Uechi-Ryū masters, each holding the rank of ninth or 10th degree black belt. During the test, Stone’s master candidates performed three kata.

“I knew they were ready because of years of practice and their individual mental and emotional growth,” said Stone. “These three individuals are lifelong students who have made the martial arts more than just a hobby or activity in their lives. They have dedicated countless hours to working on improving themselves as individuals as well as embodying the virtues of modesty, courtesy, integrity, compassion, gratitude, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.”

Because the test is preceded by months of intense training, Stone said the chances of failing are extremely low.

“They go in front of various ninth and 10th degree black belts in training classes prior to the test,” he said. “The actual test is more of a performance of their hard work and understanding in front of a large crowd.”

Of the three new masters, Edmonds, a Groton resident, has been with Stone the longest.

“I don’t think my parents imagined back then that I would still be doing it 26 years later,” he said, adding that he began training when he was four years old. “As a kid, I loved the excitement of karate and in many ways that has never changed, which is why I keep coming back every week.”

As an attorney, Edmonds said there is considerable stress associated with his job. However, practicing Uechi-Ryū has always made him “feel better.”

“I find that even on the most stressful of days, a great workout at the dojo helps that stress just melt away,” he said. “But I think the best part is that when you are having a great day, a workout at the dojo just makes it even better.”

Cross-MacDonald of Hollis has been training since November 2001.

“I was skeptical at first but soon grew to love it,” she said. “It was the one hour in my day where I could let everything else go and focus on just this one thing and it was Heaven to me.”

Cross-MacDonald said she has also learned to understand how Uechi-Ryū is woven into everyday life.

“As I progressed in my studies, I was able to understand the connections of Uechi-Ryū to other areas of my life — family, work, self,” she said.

However, holding the rank of sixth degree black belt still seems like a dream.

“I truly feel as though this journey has just begun, that I have just reached a higher white belt,” said Cross-MacDonald. “There is so much more to learn and to share and I am looking forward to it.”

Having dedicated the past 24 years to Uechi-Ryū, Paetzold of Tyngsborough, Mass. said it was an honor to be promoted to sixth degree black belt.

“What motivates me most is the sense of belonging to my adopted dojo family and the invaluable support and camaraderie I’ve experienced over the years,” he said. “I find great fulfillment in contributing to the growth of our students and sharing what I’ve learned. Teaching not only allows me to help others improve but also deepens my own understanding of the art. This combination of community, learning and teaching continues to inspire me on this unexpected but incredibly rewarding path.”

Paetzold said that for him, the most important part of the test was making Stone proud and showing everyone in attendance what he had learned over the years.

“I look forward to continuing on this journey, martial arts is just a part of who I am and it is something that I carry with me every single day,” he said.

Uechi-Ryū is a traditional style of Okinawan karate founded in 1897 by Kanbun Uechi.