For the first time since moving to its new location in the Athletic Edge Sports and Fitness Center, Sensei David Warren of the Washington Karate Academy raised the rank of one of his students — his oldest pupil.

Washington resident Mike Crawford, 57, was promoted to Shikyu, or brown belt, last week after one of the most successful belt tests given by the Academy in recent history.

Joshua Chandler, a Sensei and fourth-degree black belt, administered the test in the place of Warren, who is no longer able to receive blows to his body, due to a recently diagnosed heart condition. It was the first brown belt test Chandler had overseen for the Academy.

“His self-defense was awesome,” Chandler said. “When we’re doing a test, that’s one thing we look at real big. He really prepared for that. In a two or three hour test, he didn’t have to do anything over again. In the 15 years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

Due to his busy schedule, Crawford’s last belt promotion, Hachi Kyu (green belt), came in March of 2012. It’s been more than four years since Crawford began training with Warren and the Academy, but it’s something he’s built into his weekly routine.

“It’s been very rewarding,” Crawford said. “I’ve enjoyed it and it’s one of the reasons I’ve stuck with it so long. David is a great teacher, very patient and obviously very knowledgeable. You don’t do it for 30 years if you don’t have a good reputation.”

The physically demanding exam lasted about two and a half hours, as Chandler partnered with Crawford in drills and wazas. Chandler also assisted in self-defense techniques and held punching pads.

Looking on, Warren aided lightly and offered comments to Chandler, as well as pointers to Mike during the exam.

Crawford had to showcase 13 kata forms, new kicking techniques, three sparring rounds with multiple attackers and six other items of belt material.

“Mr. Crawford was outstanding illustrating the use of three Okinawan weapons in his katas, as well as his self-defense techniques,” Warren said. He exhibited all of this in a timely manner and was well prepared.”

Chandler reiterated his feelings on how Crawford handled the exam.

“I’ve seen students come through here and be somewhat prepared, a miss here or a miss there. I’ve never seen a test that was as well prepared for as he was,” he said.