Winter Course and Dan Grading: November 2024

Winter Course

Thank you to all the students and Instructors who took part in the Winter Course on 3rd November with Simon Bligh Sensei 6th Dan and Paul Wolstencroft Sensei 6th Dan.

It was our biggest course of the year and a thoroughly enjoyable one. Both Instructors taught very different sections and we were able to learn, work hard and take away something to improve.

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Simon Bligh Sensei for his visit and sharing his many years of expertise with us. It was a pleasure and we were pleased to hear that you enjoyed working with our students and Instructors. Simon Sensei is a 6th Dan Black Belt, the Technical Director of HDKI Great Britain and also runs his own Club, as such he is very busy and we were pleased that he was able to fit us in. I am sure that we will see you again soon!

Courses offer a unique opportunity to further your development and train alongside students from other parts of the club that you wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to work with. You should always take these opportunities when they come. We have plenty of courses planned in 2025 with some exciting Guest Instructors as we celebrate 20 years of running our own Club. We have a lot more time during Courses to study karate in greater depth than in regular classes, where the emphasis is mostly on training the body, having fun and getting a good sweat on. If you want to deepen your knowledge and understanding whilst improving the effectiveness of your karate, then Courses are not to be missed!

A Dan grading was held after the Winter Course and 19 brave students and Instructors had been put forward to attempt their next grades. We want to thank you all for your participation and to the parents and family members who gave up their entire Sunday to support those they love. Without you, they could not doing. We always extend our gratitude to the parents who have facilitated and supported those taking grading, not just on the day, but for years and years. Dropping off & picking up when you’ve had a long day at work, paying for everything, making them train when they can’t be bothered. They couldn’t do it without you. So if you haven’t already - say a big thanks to your Mum and Dad or partner! Nobody ever achieved anything like this sat at home on their PlayStation!

Remember, your karate journey should not end after Dan grading or achieving your next belt. It does not change you. It only changes the way others see you. Becoming a Black belt carries great responsibility. You become the standard others strive to reach. You have to keep your standards high and continue to push yourselves. So enjoy it, but carry it with the honour it deserves. Be a black belt, in every area of your life. Stay humble always and respectful of others.

We always say a few words about each person who has graded and how they performed on the day. If you didn’t grade, you must keep going and read the advice we have written for you towards the end. It’s not over when you fail, it is over when you quit.

Sandan

John O Donovan Sensei - Pass

John O Donovan Sensei started his karate way back in 2012 (I think) With his lovely daughters Amy and Lilly and went on to complete his 2nd Dan in 2021. Since the day he started he’s been an absolute pleasure to teach and work alongside.

His was the first name called at the grading and performed Katas Jion, Junro Godan and Jitte. He scored well in the kata section and as very strong and composed. The longer the katas went on the better they got, as he settled in and found his rhythm.

We usually have to watch John Sensei’s Kumite through our fingers because he goes in hard and puts everything behind his techniques and usually ends up with some sort of injury. This time around, it was like watching a brand new John. Patient, precise and tidy. His timing was excellent and he had the confidence to wait and pick his opponents off.

John is a great model to not only the class he leads but to all of us in the club. He is a good man with a big heart and he has all of our respect. Amazing improvement at this grading well done. We are so pleased you have earned your Sandan, it has been hard earned and is very well deserved.

Helen Dolan Sensei - Passed Kumite, to retake Kata

You won’t find anyone more dedicated to karate than Helen Sensei, it is such a massive part of Dolan Family life and she is in the dojo almost every night of the week. Teaching and training she is a constant presence and so selfless. Always quietly working away, improving and helping others. She has taken working towards her Sandan seriously from the day she grading to Nidan. There has been no rest, no slacking, nothing but hard graft, diligent study and complete commitment.

Out of all the candidates Helen had put the most training in and deserved this opportunity. She did an excellent Jitte for her choice kata and this really suited her karate. I enjoyed watching it as she paced it out nicely and it was strong right to the end. Junro Yondan started off beautifully. The longer this one goes on with all the spinning twisting and turning, the harder this one gets and unfortunately Helen Sensei has been asked to come and do this one again.

The examiners choice is was Bassai Dai and performed this one to a high standard scoring excellent marks from all 3 examiners.

The Kumite section went well for her, she was able to close distance and land her attacks. She was much more calm than when she went for Nidan and was able to move more freely and execute counters effectively.

I hope that being asked to retake the Junro Yondan section of this grading will not affect Helen Senseis confidence. She has made outstanding progress between 2nd and 3rd Dan and should be incredibly proud the karate and the resilience she showed on the day. We know you can and will do it, and we know that this is hurt al lot and how much karate means to you.

We are all gutted for you, but enormously proud of you for getting up there and trying. And staying up and the end of congratulate the others. You are nearly there and are a true martial artist. Respectful and honourable to the end. We are proud that you are one of our Senseis set such a great example not only at the grading but every time you set foot in a dojo. We’d love to see you keep going, smash that Junro yondan and then get working on the fourth Dan. You can do it.

John Dolan - pass

What a grading! From the moment John Sensei started karate he has always been this absolute powerhouse of a man. Not somebody you’d want to get on the wrong side of, that’s for sure. We know he’s a gentle giant but can dial it up when he needs to. That Jiin was epic. Perhaps you put so much effort into your choice kata there wasn’t as much gas left for the next two but you certainly smashed it and got top marks for it.

The Junro Godan was a bit of a test but you got through it and smashed it 2nd time out. We wanted to see your Empi because you are so strong and powerful and we felt it would suit your explosive karate. You did not disappoint us. It was awesome. I think you had to relax because you’d put so much into the others that this only made it better. I enjoyed your Empi. It has destructive energy! This is how a big fella should do kata.

John Sensei was pretty dominant in the Kumite. In the past, the gas tank had gone and at times it’s turned into a dog fight. The training and dieting that has gone into your grading preparation has benefitted your Kumite greatly. You could move better, react more quickly and still land that deadly Jodan gyakuzuki whenever the opportunity arose!

I think the time spent on Nidan does bring that calmness and the attitude of - you need to bring it to me and I will just pick my shots. This is what you did and it was brilliant, well done. We are so pleased for you even if the day was bittersweet. You can enjoy celebrating soon!

Nidan

Tris Miles

Tris Miles has absolute class karate. There is a quality and a harmony to it that you just can’t teach. It’s such a pleasure to watch. I almost find myself putting my pen down and enjoying the kata instead of looking for any flaws. His movement is excellent in his katas and his sparring. His stances are awesome and this forms the base for the rest of his karate. I really enjoyed watching his Kankudai, it flowed beautifully and was powerful to the end.

I think the best part of Tris’s karate is his Kumite, he’s so hard to hit, you just end up chasing him around because his movement is so high level. He’s literally like a buzzing bee! He can close the distance so quickly and pick his shots. He has long limbs and is a really puzzle for any opponent. This was a first class performance from a first class student and Sensei. Start believing in yourself now please. We would like to see you keep training towards Sandan and beyond! Well done.

Helen Finney - pass

Helen Finney story is an inspirational one. Helen got her Shodan back in 2017 and rocketed right through the kyu grades. Since then, she has persevered with her training over the years and been through battles with her health. Fast forward to today and we could really see the time and commitment she has put into her karate. Her Kihon and Katas were really impressive and her Kumite was much improved. We could see that she has improved in terms of technique but also performs with increased confidence.

She did not panic and was ready for anything. Going for grading with your child must be hard but I’m glad you experienced this together and kept each other going. I hope that you will gain even more confidence now and continue to train as hard as you do. You can relax now because you were fab! Well done.

Callula C - pass

Callula was outstanding. Her karate is absolutely beautiful. I could watch her all day. Her superb tokki Kata was one of the highest scoring katas of the day. We then challenged her with the longest and most difficult kata on the list and she just breezed through it with class. She made it look effortless. What a student. What a grading. I knew you would be good, but you exceeded all expectations. You were brave and resilient in the Kumite section.

We know this is not your favourite part of karate but you performed with the spirit and determination we would expect of a Nidan. A class performance from a wonderfully talented and kind young lady. She is credit to her family and an outstanding and committed Cadet Leader. Her manners and behaviour is exemplary. We are lucky to work alongside you and help you develop further.

Keep up the incredible work and well done to Jon Sensei who is responsible for this enormous achievement. The whole family have completed the Nidan Hat trick in awesome style. We are so happy for you all. Well done.

Richard Holden - pass

Richard delivered an excellent grading performance. There was a calm and methodical approach to his Kihon, Katas and Kumite and he scored consistently high marks in all areas. Richard generates incredible power and always puts in 100% effort at karate. His Katas were strong and clearly well practised. He performs with all the confidence and focus we have come to expect from him.

The kumite section went well, he was positive going forward and was able to block, counter and pick his shots. His movement has improved and he uses his height advantage by throwing kicks to keep his opponents away. Rich has improved in every area and clearly works hard with Team Curtis to reach and maintain this high level. We are so pleased that you took part in the grading so soon after returning from injury and we are even more pleased to have been able to pass you! Well done. Keep up the great work!

Sarah Evans - pass

Taking Dan grading on your birthday! Wow, very brave! But NO problem for our Sarah! Happy Birthday and Happy Getting your Second Dan Day! Forever the two shall now be intertwined!

Since grading to Shodan, Sarah has developed the confidence and self belief in karate and her performance on the day was so impressive. Her katas were quite beautiful and much improved. The combinations were well practised and strong. She really went for it in her kumite. She was positive going forward using combinations to get in and out rather than getting caught out by using single moves. She could move, block and counter effectively and has made immeasurable improvement.

I am so pleased for Sarah, she is a lovely lady and Team Evans are one of the most successful karate families in the Club. Sarah is the first Nidan in the Evans house and I’m sure will ot be the last. Well done Mrs, you did it!

Shodan:

Nathan W - pass

Nate was quite the surprise package of the grading. We know he has it in him to do everything right. He is naturally gifted at karate and by his own admission doesn’t always put in 100%. He’s put the work in for this grading and done his time. He trains a few times a week and loves his kumite. It was no suprise that this was his best section and he got high marks for this. The Katas were very impressive as were his combinations. He was sharp, focused and showed great kimae. After this epic perfromace I am sure that Daryl Sensei wants to see this level of effort every time he trains going forward. There is room for improvement but Nate really does deserve his Black Belt, he’s done the work and really switched it on, on the day. I’m sure Dad Darren Sensei was very proud of you too. Well done.

Isaac S - pass

Isaac is such a wonderful young man. So polite and an absolute angel in the dojo. There has never been a cross word with Isaac in 6+ years of him training with us. He is quite simply, a pleasure to teach and to be around. As were his brothers. He is the third brother in this karate-kicking family to take his Black Belt with us so I’m sure that comes with the added pressure to do well and ‘keep up’. He need not have worried, because he was brilliant. Really calm and composed under pressure and performed with a maturity way beyond his years. We were so impressed with him and Isaac gained consistently high marks in all areas. He was brave and positive in the kumite section and we are so pleased to been able to pass him. Congratulations Isaac, you are a star!

Brea H - pass

What an excellent grading for Brea. All of the Sensei’s who work with Brea know that this is one hugely talented but cripplingly shy young lady. It takes tremendous courage to get up in front of all those people and do karate to the very best standard you can. She certainly managed to stay on top her nerves and gave it 100%. Every section was an easy pass, your karate is graceful and you show excellent focus. Every technique is practised and purposefully placed. Your karate works too. You held your own in the kumite section and landed some great kicks. If we can get you setting them up properly, you will be unstoppable. You make it look effortless and we are excited by your talent. We know there is so much more to come and you have everything it takes to become even better. I hope that this will give you some much needed confidence and self belief. As we believe in you and think you are fantastic.

Arthur P - pass

What an absolute sweetheart Arthur Purdy is, and now he is a Black Belt. I am sure that will take some getting used to but he so deserves it. He has been training since he was little and you really can tell the difference with those who have started when they were young. They are a cut above. I love everything about Arthurs karate. He tries SO hard. I was always taught that you should always be one of the hardest workers in the room. And in any Dojo - this is Arthur. He gives it his everything, every time he trains. His Katas are exceptional, he and Joe scored some of the highest Kata marks on the day. Arthur was and always is an absolute pleasure to watch. He’s a pleasure to teach and catches on so quickly. He corrects what you ask him to and it stays corrected. Mike and Leesa Sensei absolutely adore Arthur and you can tell he thinks the world of them too. Together, they have made a great karateka and someone I am sure will continue to do amazing things here. I hope this is not the last time we see you grade. You get 10 out of 10 for bringing the fire! Congratulations on your black belt Arthur and keep up the outstanding work!

Joe R - pass and Student of the Dan Grading

We have come to expect amazing things from Joe. We see his name on a grading list and we just know he is going to add that little bit of extra excitement and class to the grading day. His karate is just exceptional. Karate aside, he is just a pleasure to teach. He’s got excellent manners, always give you 100% and sets the perfect example to all of our younger students. His behaviour is exemplary and he is the perfect Cadet Leader. This was the easiest pass of the day. We could have asked him to do 20 katas, each and every one would have been as superb as the last one. Consistency is the key. I have never seen him get tired! And he tries his absolute best. His Kihon was excellent and his stances are always pushed. I like everything about Joe’s karate and highly respect him because he is clearly immensely talented, but he does not rely on this. He is always looking to improve, work harder, get faster and stronger. This is how champions are made. In the past I think nerves and managing pressure have been an issue. But after that Dan Grading performance I think we can safely say that we can leave it in the past. Confident Joe has arrrived and we are so excited to see him get better and better and begin to fill his enormous potential. A Student of the Dan grading trophy will be awarded to you next week. It’s the first one we have done and you get to keep it. Well done and don’t change!

Anton S - pass

Our job as Instructors is to work with and inspire our students to be the very best the can be. Every so often someone comes along who inspires us. I can honestly say that Anton is one of those students. He is resilient and full of determination. Anton has suffered terribly over the years with his health and being bullied. I think karate is his outlet where he can come along, leave his problems outside and just do something he really enjoys.

He took part in the last Dan grading and was asked to retake the kumite section. Shortly after that it was ruled by his doctors that he is now unable to spar, effectively ending his dream of grading to Black Belt.

Undetterred, he continued to come to class, several times a week and train hard. We have since adapted our syllabus to meet his needs and make sure that he could finish what he started. We worked together using the feedback given at his Dan grading to show that he had made the required improvement and could show us in a controlled and safe environment.

Alex Moriarty Sensei has been a huge help to Anton and has worked with him very patiently. We are thankful to her for doing this. Anton had improved and looked so good hitting the pads, that he got the biggest round of applause of the day. We are so proud of you and so happy that you never gave up. This is the spirit of a true karateka. We can all aspire to have this attitude and mental resilience. You are an inspiration to all of us, and now you are a Black Belt. Well done.

Let Antons story be a lesson to us all. It is great to be able to write all these lovely words about each of the people above, but what really matters is that we are each on our individual journey. This is not to be compared with others (we get enough of that in every day life). We are constantly comparing ourselves and competing with classmates and co-workers. Ultimately we are all individuals, with different abilities, different strengths and different weaknesses. Understand this. It does not mean that the people who passed are better than the people who have been asked to retake a section.

We can only judge you on our perception of your capability and what you show us on the day. If you made a mistake, then accept it. It cannot be undone. This has happened to the best of us. As examiners, we want to say ‘yes’ to everyone. And we feel awful when it is a ‘next time’. But there has to be a next time. This is within your power. You cannot take back an error, but you can learn from it. Most of the time it is just a simple lapse in concentration, for some there might be a bit more to work on. But we will do it together. This is your community and we want you to do it. You need to choose to finish the marathon that is achieving a Black Belt or a Sandan. Show up, show us, prove you can do it - and you will.

To take part in a Dan Grading deserves enormous respect. If it was easy, there would be millions of Black Belts. It is NOT easy and it shouldn’t be. In life, nothing worth having comes easy. Sophie, Benjamin, Phil, Helen Sensei, Samantha and Giacomo were all brave enough to try. They showed courage and should not be fearful to try again. You will be feeling disappointed and maybe a little bit rejected, but as I have explained it does not mean that you are not brilliant at karate and not worthy to wear the belt. There is no shame in doing the grading in two parts. You have gained our respect and you all only have 1 section to do, then the job is done and you can relax. You’ve got 3 months to sort it and you will. Get back in the dojo, rebuild the confidence and lets go again. I want to sit here and write lovely things about you people!

As always thanks to the panel for assessing the students on the day and the Instructors who have worked so hard to get these students ready. Thanks to Jo Sensei who helped us with the admin and Gary Sensei for officiating the kumite rounds. For those that have been inspired - the next Dan Grading will take place in May 2025. The work starts now!

Hirota Belts

If you are interested in ordering a Hirota Black Belt from Tokyo Japan, please follow this link:

https://www.redtigerkarateclub.co.uk/shop/p/hirota-black-belt

They are available in Satin or Cotton and can be personalised with your name in your choice of colour.

Orders will be placed on Monday 11th November so please order before this date. They can take 4-6 weeks to arrive.