Henry Minitrez Kyoshi Promotion
September 5, 2024
I am humble Honor to announce Henry Minitrez Kyoshi elevation to Seichidan, 7th Dan within the System of Duro Y Suave Manos Vacias founded by Peter Flores Sr Soul ~Ki.
His first instructor, Delphine Burnett, was kind enough to do the honors and present him with his certificate.
When he started this martial arts journey 40 years ago, he had no idea where it would take him , the people Ihe would meet, and the opportunities it would have to learn as well as give back.
Soul~Ki had previously promoted him to 5th degree, then later 6th degree from his death bed. He wears Soul~Ki's patch proudly. Prresent for his previous promotion Grandmaster Frank Puello, Hanshi ElbaCookie Melendez was also in that crowd as was Kyoshi Stephen
I consulted with Hanshi Franklin Puello. Rafael Vargas, the first student Soul~Ki ever promoted to black belt, Kevin Pereira Hanshi who introduced him to Soul ~Ki.
Have the Faith to Continue
Have the Wisdom to pass it on
and
Have the Power to Succeed.
Please extend your congratulations. Con Respecto...Arigato Gozaimashita
Hank Minitrez Kyohi:
I'm still letting it sink in: I was promoted to 7th degree black belt tonight. My first instructor, Delphine Burnett, was kind enough to do the honors and present me with my certificate. When I started this martial arts journey 40 years ago, I had no idea where it would take me, the people I'd meet, and the opportunities I'd have to learn as well as give back. Special thank you to Grandmaster Frankie Huertas, who took over as Grandmaster when Soul~Ki Peter Flores Sr passed away. Soul~Ki had previously promoted me to 5th degree, then later 6th degree from his death bed. I wear Soul~Ki's patch proudly on my uniform. Grandmaster Huertas was kind enough to elevate me in rank after first consulting with Grandmaster Frank Puello - another person who was close to Soul~Ki Flores and who was present when Soul~Ki promoted me to 5th degree at his 64th birthday celebration in NYC. Hanshi ElbaCookie Melendez was also in that crowd as was Kyoshi Stephen Rittersporn. Hanshi Puello is one of those whose videos I watch in amazement - he has tremendous talent in the arts and is inspiring. I love seeing that he is still teaching and it is my goal one day to meet up and train with him. GM Huertas also consulted with Hanshi Rafael Vargas, the first student Soul~Ki ever promoted to black belt. That he remembered me and concurred with the promotion makes me grateful. GM Huertas also consulted with Hanshi Kevin Pereira who first introduced me to Soul~Ki so long ago. Without KP having facilitated that meeting, Soul~Ki Flores would never have taken me under his wing, mentored me and supported me for as long as he did. I also give credit to Lyndy. Had my amazing daughter not talked me into letting her learn martial arts 20 years ago, I may well have retired from the arts back then. But 20 years later, here we are. It's amazing how God/the Universe puts people in our lives. That the New York martial arts community took me in is an amazing gift that I forever cherish.
In Soul~Ki's honor, I vow to Have the Faith to Continue Have the Wisdom to pass it on and Have the Power to Succeed.
¡Siempre OOS!
