Submitted photoBeau Stevens, 16, second from right, stands with his judges Friday night after being awarded the black belt at Carson ATA Blackbelt Academy. It was the first black belt the academy has awarded.
Friday night was the culmination of two years of work for 16-year-old Beau Stevens. Stevens is a student at Carson ATA Blackbelt Academy in Carson City, where he spent an hour a day training to test for his black belt.
Stevens was the first person who attended the academy to try to obtain the ranking. He also became the first person to receive it.
To receive his black belt, Beau had to complete two forms, consisting for 46 movements each, complete a sparing combination and self-defense sequence, perform 45 pushups and 45 curlups in under a minute each and complete 180 impact punches in under three minutes.
"It's a really big accomplishment for me. It's been my goal for a while," Stevens said. "I just felt like it was time."
Stevens' parents, Brian and Sue Hunt, said they admired their son's confidence and perseverance.
"He's always wanted to do it, even as a little kid, but never could find the time. Then in 2005, it seemed right," said Sue Hunt.
Beau also has inspired his little sister, Kaira, to take up martial arts. She is currently a brown belt, but hopes to match her brother and obtain her black belt in the next couple years.
Stevens also is one of the first in the nation to be tested under the new criteria for black belts, which includes the fitness test.
"Beau is kind of a guinea pig. He's one of the first to have to do the fitness test to get his black belt, which will become part of the test in June," Hunt said.
Stevens also is a certified instructor at the academy and encourages students to give martial arts a try.
"Just work hard, experience it as something new, not something bad and just have some fun," he said.
After obtaining his black belt, Beau and his family celebrated with a trip to Round Table Pizza.
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The Carson City Democrats County Convention will be held Saturday at the Eagle Valley Middle School, 4151 E. Fifth St. The convention starts at 10 a.m. and the doors open at 8 a.m.
Bonnie Parnell will be the keynote speaker. Delegates may pick up a copy of the platform at the Carson City Democratic headquarters located at 111 Telegraph St., Suite 104, between 4-7 p.m. Friday. For details, call the Carson City Democratic Central Committee Headquarters at 841-DEMS (3367).