New black belts

DesRuisseux, Ruisi earn black belts

March, 2002


First-degree brown belts Dan DesRuisseux of Atkinson, N.H., and Lorenzo Ruisi of Stoneham, earned black-belt ranking in Small Circle Jujitsu in a strenuous morning of tests. DesRuisseux, marketing manager for Quantum Bridge telecommunications of Andover, and Ruisi, a manager with Stop and Shop supermarkets, dealt with some	300 attacks mounted by the 20 Ukes -- student volunteers -- assisting with testing. They also faced brown-belt Jamie Doval in a full-body protective suit. The new black belts have each studied with Sensei Ed Melaugh for some six years. Melaugh said earning the black belt marks the real beginning of learning, not the end. DesRuisseux and Ruisi are now certified ready.

PRESENTATION -- Sensei Ed Melaugh presents the hard-won black belt to Lorenzo Ruisi as Dan DesRuisseux looks on. DesRuisseux had already received his new belt.

NEW BELTS -- Dan DesRuisseux and Lorenzo Ruisi, center, join Sense Ed Melaugh and black belts following tests.

VICTORY -- Well-worn Lorenzo Ruisi, left, and Dan DesRuisseux celebrate after hours of testing.

MASSED UKES -- The volunter attackers who helped test DesRuisseux and Ruisi gather with the pair after testing.

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