Black Belts

I personally promote all black belts in my art, Christopher N. Geary’s Shaolin Ch’uan Fa. Since I began teaching on June 29, 1994, I have promoted seven individuals to the rank of Shodan and higher. These individuals are listed below. Asterisks indicate individuals who are currently authorized to teach my art.

Shawn M. Steiner - Godan (Fifth-Degree Black Belt)
Michael D. Lee - Nidan (Second-Degree Black Belt)
Edward L. Clary - Nidan (Second-Degree Black Belt)
Mark A. Lyons - Shodan (First-Degree Black Belt)
Nathan T. Burkman - Shodan (First-Degree Black Belt)
Thomas E. Scott - Black/Shodan (First-Degree Black Belt)
Kevin D. Meeske - Black/Shodan (First-Degree Black Belt)

Within the martial arts, the black belt (Dan) ranking system ranges from the lowest rank, Shodan (first degree), to the highest rank, Judan (tenth degree). At the rank of Sandan (third degree) and above, the black belt begins to develop a deeper level of understanding and greater proficiency in the art. In Japan, one must attain the rank of third-degree black belt or higher to become a Sensei (teacher) and own a dojo (school).

After I achieved the highest rank in the martial arts by becoming a Judan (tenth-degree black belt), I designed a new black belt (Dan Rank) certificate. These certificates were first issued on October 21, 2006 (first snowfall) to students who were attaining or had previously received the rank of Shodan (first-degree black belt) or higher and were still active in my system. Each certificate was back dated to the date when the rank had first been awarded.

Each individual I have promoted to black belt has worked for many years and made significant sacrifices to reach this level. In my view, attaining a black belt should be a noteworthy accomplishment requiring hard work, self-discipline, and a commitment to success. Unlike some martial arts instructors, I have never promoted any of my students to the status of “junior black belt,” “recommended black belt” or “probationary black belt.” To earn a black belt from me, a student must be able to defend himself or herself against an adult.

Many people are not aware that once you earn a rank or title in the martial arts it will be yours forever, just like a degree from a university. No one can take it away from you for any reason. (An exception is made if the certificate has an expiration date or probationary period shown on it; for example, a person may be promoted to the probationary status of Shodan-Ho, Nidan-Ho, etc.)

In the arts of Goju Ryu, I have signed two documents recognizing two individuals to the rank of Shodan-Ho. These certificates were signed by all of the members of Hanshi Angel's fiftieth anniversary promotional board, of which I was a part. The rank of Shodan-Ho is not considered a full black belt rank by many, including myself. It is a probationary black belt rank before one receives the rank of Shodan (first-degree black belt). I do not believe in this type of promotion; I believe the instructor should either give the student a full black belt or wait until they are ready for that rank. I signed the Shodan-Ho certificates only as a gesture of respect for Hanshi Angel. These two individuals were Beverly J. Sampson of Oklahoma and Christopher Sweeney of Kentucky.

On September 1, 2006, I promoted three people to black belt rankings in the art of Tenshi Goju Kai under Angel's hand only, because it was his art. They are Shawn M. Steiner (Nidan), Mark A. Lyons (Shodan), and Jim M. O'Connell (Shodan).

Conveying a personal touch, I write my signature on each black belt certificate that I issue before presenting it to the recipient. Originally I signed my entire name in blood, but for better legibility I now sign my name in ink and seal it with my blood (only for certificates issued in my system, Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Ch'uan Fa). Doing this is my way of acknowledging the sacrifice of hard work and dedication a student has made to attain this rank. Each black belt certificate issued in my art is properly notarized. Signing, sealing, and notarization all testify to the authenticity of the student's achievement, making each certificate unique in its own way.

Professor Christopher N. Geary
10th Dan - Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Ch'uan Fa
6th Dan - Tenshi Goju Kai and Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu