Sebastian - first Asian to get WMAF 8th Dan Black Belt

Alappuzha (Kerala): V.Z. Sebastian, director of Ko-In-Chi Academy of Martial Arts Shotokan Karate has been conferred 8th Dan Black Belt by the World Martial Arts Federation and its real significance lies in the fact that he is the first Asian martial artist to receive WMAF 8th Dan Black Belt.

Grand Master Sebastian will be granted this honourable degree by the WMAF representative Grand Master Cynthia Rothrock at a grand function to be held in Aiswarya Auditorium, Alappuzha on Saturday (May 11).

Cynthia Rothrock is a Hollywood celebrity and world-renowned martial artist with 8th Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, Black Belts in Taekwondo, Karate, Eagle Claw, WuShu, Northern Shaolin, PaiLum Tao Kungfu and World Karate Champion from 1981-85. She is the only woman holding Black Belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Wushu, Kung Fu, and Chinese Eagle Claw.

Considered the Queen of Martial arts she is one of the most versatile and unique competitive martial artist in modern history. Her work as a competitor, actor, instructor, and ambassador within martial arts are unparalleled and is a true living legend.

The inaugural day of the prestigious will also play host to a magnificent seminar conducted by none other than Cynthia Rothrock and Chris Lane, the renowned and prodigious experts of martial arts.

Their rendering of tactical training in most modern techniques of various martial arts shall be a unique experience and achievement to the upcoming prodigies in martial arts and will benefit them in their pursuit, a press release said on Thursday.

Chris Lane is serving the fitness and wellness industry as a professional Strength and conditioning coach. He also provides cutting edge programming for tactical, traditional and MMA athletes. He is contracted by US Military and Law Enforcements, to develop and install tactical strength and conditioning. He also provides sports-specific programming to a variety of traditional sports, coaching hundreds of collegiate and professional athletes in NBA (National Basket Ball Association), NFL (National Foot Ball League), MLB (Major League Baseball), NBA- D League and European League. Master Chris Lane is also a certified MMA coach.

The event also offers all karate enthusiasts to partake of this golden opportunity in accessing the solemn training practices imparted only to the military commandoes.

Students from various Dojos across India, USA and the Middle East will converge at the venue take their test for the black belt on the second and final day of the mega event.

Adding fervour to the event, Grand Master Sebastian's brother Simson V Z got promoted to 6th Degree Black Belt and Master Rank in the WMAF in April, while he was awarded the 5thDegree by the WMAF in 2011.

Master Simson is now the Chief Instructor and Director of Training and Certification in all of Middle East for the WMAF.