Closer Look

Local karate black belt champion takes it to the next level

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Christopher Hedden

On Saturday, July 20, local black belt instructor and 2002 Sport Karate World Champion Danny Antoine received his seventh-degree black belt. The ceremony was held at The Karate Dojo in Columbia, S.C. 

Legends of Carolina Martial Arts hosted the prestigious event. Every year, a board of karate elders selects suitable black belt candidates for hall of fame status, as well as presents individuals with additional degrees on their black belt and other high honor awards. 

ON JULY 20, Danny Antoine earned his seventh-degree black belt, celebrating with his wife, Mary, and his first instructor, Jerome Johnson.

Criteria for black belts to receive further degrees on their belt involves physicality, personal character, and servitude to the broader community. Antoine bowed to each member of the board, followed with a handshake, to offer the greatest signs of respect as he accepted his seventh-degree black belt certificate. 

“This black belt is mainly about contributions to the sport,” he said. 

Antoine earned his 1st degree black belt in 1997. Shortly thereafter, he opened Danny Antoine’s Martial Arts Academy in Franklin and competed regionally and nationally.

Individuals attending the July 20 event have been mentors and heroes of Antoine throughout his 25 years of karate. He received his seventh-degree black belt from one of his first instructors, Jerome Johnson, who Antoine considers a father. “He didn’t step into my life like a father; he became someone I call ‘Dad.’

DANNY ANTOINE’S Martial Arts & Fitness Academy in Franklin enrolls school-aged to adult students.

“Getting my seventh-degree black belt from him and other great guys, who signed my diploma … being with them meant the most to me. It was kind of like when I got inducted into the Legends of the Carolina Martial Arts Hall of Fame a few years ago. These guys are the national pioneers of our sport. People like Joe Corley started the Battle of Atlanta over 50 years ago; that event is like the super bowl of our sport and he is a legend. This was a powerful time, and being with them meant more to me than actually getting the seventh-degree black belt.” 

Antoine added, “It is also because of Bruce and Cathy Alley, of Franklin, who raised me into an adult; it is because of them, and others who have poured into my life, that I was able to achieve this honor.”