On Thursday, June 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange hosted a Toradojo exhibition, celebrating the promotion of Alex Gross and Joshua Gang to first-degree black belt and Howard Sragow to second-degree black belt. They were joined by members of other dojos who also celebrated their promotions.

Last week, at their testing, the first-degree candidates performed eight forms from the Toradojo shotokan karate curriculum including the tonfa weapon form, and demonstrated their unique applications of Japanese karate to fighting situations. They each also demonstrated breaking techniques through at least four 1-inch, flush, un-gapped pine boards. Gang also demonstrated an advanced tekki form, while Gross also demonstrated the bo weapon form.

Sragow performed four forms from the Toradojo Baguazhang curriculum, demonstrating his unique applications of Baguazhang to fighting situations, and demonstrated breaking techniques on concrete. He also demonstrated the Baguazhang broadsword.

The exhibition was a celebration of the accomplishments of those who were promoted, including the individuals from the other dojos. It was also an opportunity for all of the West Orange dojo’s students to shine, and for others to see and learn about what Jewish martial artists do.

Classes in West Orange are organized under the leadership of Sifu Gene White, SanDan (3rd degree). Beginners and teens meet on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Cong. AABJ&D and/or Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Ohr Torah; adults and advanced martial artists meet on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Ohr Torah.

Toradojo was founded in 1967 at Yeshiva University. Beginning students learn Japanese styles including Shotokan; advanced students learn Chinese styles including Tai Chi and Bagua Zhang.

Congregation Ohr Torah is located at 270 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange.