Three members of the Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai , an internationally recognized martial arts association, traveled to Bryan, Ohio on Saturday February 28 to undergo an examination for Nidan, 2nd degree black belt. Brad Tilghman and Phil Bassett both of Auburn, Indiana and Kimberly Franz of Bryan, Ohio underwent an intense three hour examination covering the physical, mental and technical requirements to be licensed as a Nidan. The first level of black belt is actually the beginning of one's real training in martial arts. The Nidan, or 2nd degree, black belt represents the student has attained a deeper understanding of their martial art, improved their technical and application expertise and have helped others through teaching the martial arts within their dojo under the supervision of their instructor. Franz Karate, located in Bryan, is the Honbu Dojo or headquarters of the Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai. The examination was conducted by Shihan Steven Franz, an 8th degree black belt and Master Instructor of the Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai. Panel judges examining Tilghman, Bassett and Franz included Jermey Bowers, 6th degree black belt, Randy Fox, 3rd degree black belt and Matt Edington, 2nd degree black belt.