Salisbury Post Article: 2022 Sun & Moon Test

Saturday, June 24, 2023

SideKick Karate Outdoor Camp
Main Street Baptist Church
1615 North Main Street
China Grove, NC 28023

Please park in church parking lot and follow signs.  There is a short hike to the hidden campsite.  There will be transportation via golf cart for the elderly or handicapable.  There will also be port-a-johns on site.  Come ready to set up camp!

Screaming Eagle
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Includes ninja course and board breaking.

Solid Belt Rank
1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bring your running shoes, t-shirt, snacks and water.  We will provide pizza.

Talking Stick Ceremony
Only Red Belts & up:  9:00 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to attend.

The Sun will rise4:44 a.m. and set 9:22 p.m.  The Moon will rise 12:01 p.m. and have 36.9% illumination.

The Sun & Moon Karate Event is an annual event endorsed by American Karate Academies National Association (AKANA). All students of any belt rank who are receiving a promotion during the coming year are encouraged to attend. Sun & Moon/Five Elements AKANA Event patches will be awarded for completion of this event...white for beginner, blue for intermediate, red for advanced, and black for black belts. When this event patch is earned and the student has the required time-in (hours for respective rank), the student will be promoted.

The Sun & Moon Karate Event is based on performing outdoors! Hanshi Piddington incorporates the natural elements into his AKANA events. He believes that in order to survive, a student must learn to blend with the elements of fire, earth, wood, water, and wind, which are our natural gifts from God! AKANA events include Ancient Martial Art Exercises and American Native Traditions to honor our karate forefathers and the indigenous ancestors of our land. The more advanced students will participate in exercises such as Mushin (mind of no mind), Mizu No Kokoro (mind like water) and American Native Warrior Sweat (fire breathing). This event will be a spiritual martial art experience!

American Karate Academies National Association (AKANA) was founded by Grandmaster Piddington. AKANA is the organization that endorses this event and acknowledges rank for our system of study. Please wear your AKANA patch proudly during this elite AKANA Sun & Moon Karate Event.

Spectators are welcome! We suggest you bring running shoes, t-shirt, lawn chairs, umbrellas, sunscreen, bug repellent, food, snacks, plenty of water or energy drinks, flashlight, etc. After parking in the church parking lot, there is a short hike to the hidden test site. No vehicles are allowed on test site or paths due to liability and safety. There will be transportation via golf cart for elderly or handicapable. There will also be port-a-johns on site. Come ready to set up camp and relax! 

Screaming Eagles

Line-up/Kneeling position - 10:00 a.m. 

Karate Basics - 10:15 a.m.

Empty-hand Kata - 10:30 a.m.

Weapon Kata (bring your weapons) - 11:00 a.m.

Self-defense Waza - 11:15 a.m.

Ninja Course/Board Breaking - 11:30 a.m. 

Solid Belt Rank

Line-up/Orientation - 1:00 p.m.

Meditation (music) - 1:15 p.m.

Basics/Sequences - 2:00 p.m.

Empty-hand Kata - 3:00 p.m.

Weapons Kata 4:00 p.m.

Self-defense - 5:00 p.m.

Breaking - 6:00 p.m.

Sparring - 6:30 p.m. 

Half-mile Cross Country - 7:00 p.m.

Lineage Tribute - 8:00 p.m.

Group Kata - 8:30 p.m.

Talking Stick - 9:00 p.m.

All sessions will be conducted in beginner, intermediate, and advanced sessions.  Plenty of water/snack breaks will be given.

We will provide the pizza at about 5:00 p.m.  Bring your own snacks and drinks.

Advice from the Sensei! Bring a “warrior spirit” and positive attitude. Some students will be testing for Black Belt. Remember, the actual event is a celebration of your long journey of training. The harder you train and perform, the greater the reward! History will be made. Lives will be changed. Legacies will be started. This is the time to give it your all. Study the manuals and practice your material. This event will sharpen your mind, body, and SPIRIT!