We Have Seven New Black Belts!

It is my honour to announce the results of yesterday's black belt examination...

Huge congratulations to dojo members Millie, Euan, Alison, Warren, Stuart, Simon and Shaun on earning Shodan!

Each candidate wrote and submitted an essay on a chosen subject relating to karate before even being invited to challenge the grading and arrived in the morning to sit a panel interview.

The physical grading itself lasted over four hours and included a plethora of fundamentals, combinations and kata, pre-arranged exercises, flow drills, combative application, self-defence, pad-work, fitness, clinch work and ground fighting, surprise stress tests, various types of sparring, board breaking and more. They finished by being asked to push their exhausted body and mind a little more, to present their views on what attributes are important for black belt and to consider whether they themselves met them.

Each candidate pushed themselves extremely hard, maintained a strong mind throughout and adapted well to whatever was thrown at them. Most of these individuals have been training at our dojo for the best part of a decade, they have remained steadfast throughout and witnessed so many equally capable members beside them join and give up during the process.

As chief instructor, I couldn’t be happier. It is an honour to be associated with these individuals. To be given the opportunity to share my karate with them. To have them place their trust in me to guide them. To watch them grow over many years into the fine martial artists they’ve become. You have all earned my deepest respect and it is a real privilege to be your teacher.

Big thanks go to fellow panel members Kelvin, Tom, John and Terry Sensei on taking the day out to support this event and to offer their valuable counsel.

See you all in the dojo soon to continue with your karate journey!

Chris
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