Thank you to all of our wonderful brown and black belts who turned up for our final B & B Course of the year. It certainly was a busy one as you can see from the photo below. Everyone worked hard and we hope you managed to challenge yourself and learned a little.

We split into groups, focusing on Kihon for grading candidates followed by Kata and Kumite drills and rounded what was a great course off with a huge game of dodgeball!

Many of our Senior Students, Instructors and Black Belts stayed back to support the whopping 31 candidates for grading. We had students and Sensei’s grading from 1st Dan Black Belt right up to 4th Dan Black Belt. It was an honour to watch and assess the exceptional group of karateka who dared to be great and took part on the day. The courage it takes to get up there in front of your peers, your family, your friends and our grading panel is extraordinary. Each and every student who took part should be congratulated for their bravery and effort.

I’d like to start off with an apology for running over so much. We usually cap the numbers but many of our candidates have been training for many years and had patiently waited for this opportunity. It can be difficult to predict how long these events will take and we will try do better next time!

We are pleased to say that of the 31 candidates taking their grading, 24 were successful. We have 1 new Yondan, 5 new Sandans, 3 new Nidans and 15 new Shodans.

There was so much talent on display and we were treated to some exceptional performances. There were a few who didn’t quite meet the required standard and have been asked to come back and retake a section and one to do the full grading. It is heartbreaking for not only these students but also their family members. I know all too well from experience how you are feeling. Low, bereft of confidence, frustrated, betrayed and wanting to jack it all in. Nothing we say or do can make you feel better. So I would urge you to consider my words of encouragement -

• You earned your spot at the grading and were courageous enough to try. How many people do you (your age) that have tried to grade to black belt or nidan?

• The majority of you scored 66% on a test that requires a 100% pass mark. That is a pretty respectable score and an achievement in itself that you can be proud of.

• This experience will teach you to persevere in life. Bad things will happen to you and you will not always understand why. What you can always control is your reaction. You may have been knocked down, but you are not out. Our team are here to make sure you see it through. We want you to come back and show us that you can do it.

• Black Belts are earned over many years. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Do not give up in the last mile. I have never met a person who has not regretted the decision to give up at brown belt level. They ALL say they wish they’d seen it through.

• For some of you I can honestly say it was a momentary lapse of memory or concentration and then the focus goes. The margin of error is small. That is what we call - a bad day at the dojo. It does NOT mean you have bad karate. If you had bad karate, you wouldn’t have been there.

• We want to pass you as much as you want to pass but it is irresponsible to grade anyone who doesn’t meet the required standard. You saw that you are in a special club with high standards. Our Black Belts are earned and worthy of your continued efforts.

• You haven’t let anyone down, not your parents/supporters, not the Club, not your Sensei. They all still love you just as much as they did before. We are all proud of your efforts. In time, you will be too.

• If you are feeling embarrassed and worried about what the others in your dojo will think, don’t be. Your dojo friends are kinder than you think and the vast majority will be ready to step up and help you. We stick together.

• You need to carry on and finish what you started. You might not feel like getting back into the dojo straight away and that is ok. You might be furious and want to get right back to it and that is ok too. However you are feeling is ok and you have an army of Red Tiger support.

For those who passed, we congratulate you on a job well done. We are so pleased for you and proud that you represent our club at this level. To you I say this - CONTINUE TO TRAIN. Nothing changes for you. The only thing that changes is the way others see you. Now, you get to wear a black belt in class, or have achieved Nidan, Sandan or Yondan. These levels command respect and you have earned this over many years of training and dedication. Wear your belt with pride and know that you have achieved something that very few people ever could. Think of all of the people you lined up beside with when you first started, I bet there aren’t many left. You are unique, it doesn't make you better than anyone else. A Black Belt simply symbolises a student who began their karate journey many years ago, worked hard week in, week out and never gave up.

With senior grades comes big responsibility:

• Responsibility to ALWAYS try hard.

• Responsibility to show up and set an example.

• Responsibility to inspire others the way you have been inspired.

• Responsibility to continue to develop and keep learning.

• Responsibility to stay fit, healthy and strong. Look after your body.

• Responsibility to remain humble and respectful. A peaceful warrior who will fight as a last resort.

• Responsibility to fulfil your potential.

• Responsibility to pass it on

Reaching black belt often leaves students at a crossroads. A path must be chosen. Some decide that they have gone as far as they want to and we fully respect that decision, but you have given up at the beginners level. You have proven you have the ability, now is the time to choose the path of continuous growth. Choose to continue to work hard. Choose to have a great attitude to learning. Choose to remain disciplined. Choose to go the extra mile and become something really special. Choose excellence.

We want you to know that there is so much still to do. Continue to set new goals and train with purpose. Did you know we practise the 26 Shotokan Kata plus 5 Junro's. You have learned 8 if you are at Shodan level. 13 to get to Nidan. 18 to get to Sandan. Rob Sensei has had to practise them all to an excellent standard. There is so much still to do. You can begin to pass your knowledge onto others by beginning to teach. You can start testing yourself through competition. The opportunities are right here and available to all.

We should also thank the parents/the partners and supporters who enable these students to do what they do. Driving them to practise, making them go when its easier not to, motivating them, praising them, being supportive financially and emotionally. You go through it with them. It’s hard being a karate parent and we appreciate you.

I also just want to take some time to thank all of the instructors who have continued to teach and motivate you. We are so lucky as Karate Instructors that we get to see you grow up and fulfil your potential. Your teacher at School changes each year, we get to take you from beginner who can’t even make a fist who doesn’t know their zenkutsodachi from their mawashigeri, to highly skilled, physically and mentally strong Black Belts who could potentially go to train in Japan and fully understand everything that they are being asked to do. It’s a lot. Our job is to make you better than us. Each set of students better than the last. Throughout our shared experience, a mutual respect and friendship is developed between Sensei and Student that can last a lifetime.  We have the most rewarding job in the World. RTK are lucky to have such a wonderful team of Sensei’s who care so much about their students and do the most fabulous job.

Thanks to the examiners Paul Sensei, Mike Beckwith, Leesa Beckwith & Mike Baron Sensei for sharing their expertise and Helen Dolan Sensei for all your help and hard work behind the scenes. Thanks also to Sam Sensei and Gary Sensei for officiating the kumite rounds.

Congratulations to the following students who dared to be great. We enjoyed watching each and every one of you. You showed us everything we wanted to see; indomitable spirit, an excellent standard and focus. After many years of dedication, we always say a few words about each person and what makes them so special to us.

Shodan - 1st Dan Black Belt

Austin Townsend - Shodan

A really confident performance from Austin. This was the best we have ever seen him. He was sharp, focused and excellent when it came to the kumite section. He is a powerful young man who is very dedicated. He’s really improved his Kihon and Kata and gained consistently good marks from all 5 examiners. He’s a really lovely young man too. Callum Sensei and Daryl Sensei have done a brilliant job guiding your karate. Well done Austin, keep up the great work.

Darren Williams - Shodan

Darren is a fantastic karateka who trains with great enthusiasm. It’s brilliant being in the dojo with him and he’s happy to try anything and everything you ask him to. Darren trains alongside his son Nate and is really dedicated. He trains several times a week and has done since he started. He loves karate and his standard is excellent. He scored high marks throughout the grading. We were so pleased to award him his Shodan and look forward to seeing him make further progress in the future. We hope he is addicted to karate for life!

Duncan Sommerville - Shodan

Duncan was completing a his Shodan after previously grading to 1st Kyu in the KUGB. He has really strong, powerful karate and scored well in all areas. It can be difficult coming to the grading and fighting people you don’t know but Duncan was calm and composed and landed some good techniques. We were impressed with his standard and look forward to helping develop his karate further. Another great addition from a well respected organisation.

Helen Cowley - Shodan

Helen has been completely focused and 100% dedicated since she started back in 2020. She has reached Shodan in quick time because of the amount of hours she clocks up training in the dojo. She is a complete karate addict and is always practising even when at home. She should be an inspiration to all the Mums sitting at the side thinking I could do that. Well Helen has done it and should be tremendously proud of the standard she has reached. Keep up the excellent work Helen!

Holly Percival - Shodan

What a brilliant grading from this exceptionally talented young lady. She has gone from strength to strength in recent years and John Sensei is right to be so proud of her. Holly is so hard working and is always at training. She makes no excuses, listens carefully and corrects everything you ask her to. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and a the sky is the limit for this one. Well done. Keep up the amazing work because we have only just begun to scratch the surface of how great you can be!

Holly Kendall - Shodan

Holly Kendall started karate over 9 years ago, she has had such a long journey and it has been a pleasure to watch her grow up into a wonderful young lady. She has persevered with her training and is so dedicated, training twice a week. She has always lacked in self confidence but hopefully this will be the start of her believing in herself. She is very talented and performed to an excellent standard on Sunday. The improvement she’s made in the last 12 months is immeasurable. She is so deserving! Well done!

Iris Corlett - Shodan

Iris has always been a wonderful student who does karate with such grace. She makes it look effortless but tries really hard. An absolute natural and an all rounder. Kihon, Kata and Kumite is all strong and practised to a very high standard. I am sure she is a pleasure to teach too and always displays exemplary behaviour. I am delighted she is wearing an RTK Black Belt because she sets the perfect example to others. Hard working, dedicated and humble. Keep up the brilliant work Iris.

James Dwyer - Shodan

We are so pleased that James decided to attempt his grading. We are always impressed with his karate and how he is able to overcome all of the barriers that have previously prevented him from fulfilling his potential. Jon Curtis Sensei has been an enormous support to James and together they should share and celebrate this success. James scored highly in all three areas and is a tremendously brave and determined individual. I am so glad he found Jon Sensei who has been able to reignite James passion for karate because he is a very talented man.

Jamie Ingham - Shodan

Jamie has had a longer journey than most training with us for several years and also previously reaching brown belt in his childhood. I am so glad he persevered with his training and reached his goal at the grading. What an enormous achievement and one (in time) you’ll be really proud of. We were impressed with the improvements you have made, particularly in your kumite where you were patient, controlled and moved well. The day was a bittersweet one for you and I know when Daniel completes his grading that you will both be able to celebrate this together. Because Team Ingham are top!

John Oliver - Shodan

Considering I read that John almost didn’t show up for grading (due to his nerves) we couldn’t tell one bit. He seemed confident, calm and collected and his standard was excellent. John was more focused than ever before. His Katas were wonderful and he was brave and resilient in the kumite section. He scored well in all three sections and this is due to many years of dedicated practise. I hope that this will be the beginning of John having some self belief because he proved to us he is an awesome karateka who puts in 100% effort.

Joseph Corlett - Shodan

I was really looking forward to watching Joseph attempt his grading. We expected great things and he didn’t disappoint us. This young man has endless talent. He has outstanding karate and excellent kicks. His movement in the kumite was second to none (almost gliding- very hard to do indeed). I could go on about how awesome his karate is, but like Iris, he is an absolute pleasure. Polite, well mannered and helpful. He is so dedicated and comes to karate for one reason only - that is to learn. This is why he is so good. His attitude is spot on and I am excited to see him continue to train and fulfill his exceptional potential.

Katie Wilson - Shodan

Katie Sensei is an excellent karateka whose preparation has been hampered by injury, however she has been training consistently - several times a week for years. You could really see the time she has put in and the experience she has gained. Her class shined through and she was brilliant on the day. All that worrying was for nothing, but it shows you how much she truly cares about her karate. She received excellent marks for her Katas and her Kihon was well practised. She is one determined and focused lady and her kumite was strong. A fully fit Katie Sensei next time round will be a handful for anyone! Well done and be more confident in your ability in the future! You did us all proud.

Lewis Horsfield - Shodan

Lewis has been training with us since he was a sweet little primary school child! Now he’s a giant teenager who towers over the rest of us but he’s still absolutely lovely and a pleasure to be around. It has taken him a while to gain the confidence to go for his black belt and we are glad he decided to finally do it. He has made exceptional progress between 1st Kyu and Black Belt and we are proud to have him wearing one of ours. His kumite was his strong point after a disastrous first round, he managed to pull it together and show his excellent skills. Well done Lewis, I hope this will help you grow in confidence and you will continue to fulfill your potential with us!

Logan Hill-Critchley - Shodan

What an impressive grading from an exceptionally talented youngster. A very bright star indeed, he was outstanding at the grading and we know there is much more to come. He’s got everything it takes to be an absolute superstar. He’s got all the physical attributes; athleticism, power, he’s naturally gifted and quick as a cat! He also has the mentality to make it to the top. A great attitude, exemplary behaviour, focus, resilience, determination, quick thinker, dedicated. I could go on and on. Keep up the wonderful Logan, we’ve not even scratched the surface of what you are capable of.

Lydia Palmer - Shodan

Lydia has beautiful karate. She enjoys her training and has stood out at every event and grading we’ve seen her at since the very beginning. The only person who doesn’t realise that Lydia has brilliant karate is - Lydia. We knew she would be amazing - and she was. Really, really impressive. You were awarded great marks and you deserve them. Everyone is proud of you. I’m so glad you got to experience this with Joseph and Iris too, a family journey taken together, this is what our Club is all about. Please take confidence from this grading because if you trained with more confidence you’d be unstoppable! Well done.

Nidan - 2nd Dan Black Belt

Noah Vernon - Nidan

We are so privileged to be able to teach Noah and be a small part of his life. He is an extraordinary young man. We know he is a talented musician and right in the middle of those important future-shaping years at School. But Noah still manages his time to make sure he can train and develop his karate. That is a skill in itself. We have watched him grow from a shy little boy to a still shy adorable young man. He doubts himself too much. I wish he could see what we see. A strong and talented karateka who has the perfect combination of being naturally gifted and VERY hard working. He pays attention to the finer details and this really shows in his performances. He corrects what you ask him to straight away and he’s always polite and encourages others. The Handforth dojo is lucky to have him as Cadet Leader because he is an outstanding role model. I am sure the relief you feel now that the grading is over will help you relax and enjoy your training a bit more without all that extra pressure. Well done, we are so proud!

Poppy Evans - Nidan

I love writing about these teenagers you meet as children and they grow up right before your eyes. It’s been a privilege to watch Poppy grow into a bright and confident young woman. We have always thought so highly of Poppy’s karate. When she did Shodan she really was excellent. This time around we are looking for development in strength and excellence in technique. The performance aspect of Kata must be improved one must be able to effectively defend themselves in the kumite . You must have mastered the foundations of your karate and can outperform those going for Shodan. Poppy ticked all the boxes and surpassed all expectations. Her kumite was absolutely awesome, she was brave and made the amazing Grace Baron really work for her belt too. She is such a lovely young lady too. So polite and hard working. I do hope you continue to train in karate for years to come. You have reached a high level and we feel there is still more to come! Well done Poppy. Mum and Dad next please!

Christopher Lysaght - Nidan

Christopher is and always has been my quiet little baby-faced angel. He’s still an angel face but he’s bigger than me now! He just comes in to class twice a week, every week, puts his bag down and cracks on with it. He’s always been the same. Never one to push for anything and he’s so embarrassed if you give him any sort of praise (or a sticker!). He’s just such a humble person for the enormous talent he possesses. Chris lets his karate do the talking. He’s spent the last 5 years on Shodan, working away, watching others surpass him, not because they are better, just because he is so laid back he could fall over. I had to really push him into this grading because after teaching him for the last 9 years I really felt he deserves this recognition. 2nd Dan at 16. There’s not many of those about. He is so strong. His Katas are excellent. His Kumite is outstanding. There is a class to it that only comes over years and years of dedicated training of your body. It’s in him. The reactions are right, his temperament is right and he is everything we want our Nidans to be. He’s such a great role model at Reddish and I’m so glad he is helping me bring through the next batch of awesome karateka. If they end up anything like him, we will be so, so happy like Pep! Always helps that he’s a blue aswell. Extra points for that of course! Well done Chris. Keep being the chilled guy you are.

Sandan - 3rd Dan Black Belt

Grace Baron - Sandan

Where do you begin to find the words to write about Grace’s extraordinary achievements at the age of just 20. She has been training with us since she was tiny. A sweet little angel face with a fierce desire to become everything she is now. Rising through the kyu grades, becoming one of our youngest ever Cadet Leaders. Competing from the age of 10 and beating black belts when she was just a brown belt. One of the youngest ever to win Student of the Year. She’s travelled all over Europe competing and is due to compete once again at the WKF Venice Cup. Still smashing it 10 years on. She has British medals, European medals, World medals and is still growing her collection of medals today. She is everything that is great about karate and I am so pleased as she has earned everything she’s ever got. She’s been over to Japan and trained at the headquarters. Everything she has ever achieved is a direct result of her own hard work.

She grasps opportunities to improve her greatness. She is so strong, so powerful, takes no nonsense, suffers no foolishness, an indomitable spirit, she’s extraordinary, so confident and everything you want your daughter to be! She’s everything we want all of our young girls training here to be. She deserves to be looked up to by all of us. Always training, never settling and accepting where she’s up to. There is always more to do. That is how champions are made and that is why she is our champ. One of our Sensei’s and a top, top Kata Coach with a promising future.

I have said so much about her and haven’t even told you about how she performed on the grading day. Well, she was as exceptional as we expected. She proved that she is not just a competitor. She is a karateka who understands the difference between how to perform on the mats and to how to perform when she is grading in the dojo. Two completely different sets of expectations. The Katas were not long drawn out or ‘showy’. They were sharp, dynamic and real. If it was a fight she would be tearing you to pieces. Everything was controlled, deliberate and practised to perfection. Her kumite was not just point scoring. There was strategy behind it. It was real. How you’d need to be if if you ever had to protect yourself . She knew the strengths of her opponents and neutralised them. The perfect example of controlled aggression. Such a mature performance from a student who has spent thousands of hours training and used this vast experience to her advantage.

Last mention I promise but Michelle, Izzy and Mike really do deserve more than a mention in this chapter of the Grace story. It’s them who have carefully nurtured her talent. Izzy always training alongside her, pushing Grace to be better. She’s snapping at her heels and keeping her humble. Mum Michelle offering that endless encouragement and support plus lifts here there and everywhere. And lastly Dad Mike Baron Sensei who I am sure is her inspiration, her coach, her taxi, her bank. Her everything! What a role model, what a Dad. We are blessed and grateful that you are all here. Great family!

Daryl Brady - Sandan

Daryl Sensei graded to his Nidan back in 2018 alongside his now wife Emma. Fast forward 5 years and Daryl Sensei has never looked back. He is incredibly dedicated to his training both in and out of the dojo. He keeps himself fit and strong and his karate is now superb. Great self-motivators are often excellent at motivators of others. Since taking over his dojos, he has built up a large following of excellent students in both the Horwich and Stoneclough classes. They look up to him and so they should. Daryl Sensei never misses a senior class and always gives 100% at every lesson. He is pleasure to teach and is a quick learner. When you ask him to correct something he will always try his best. You won’t be met with excuses, he will just get on with it.

Daryl Sensei has earned the respect of all of us and his performance on the grading day was excellent. He is about the most respectful man you can meet too. Humble kind and true gent. In the dojo, he is an absolute powerhouse yet he still manages to make his karate flow nicely. We could see how hard he has practised and how much attention to detail has been paid. It’s difficult to get that balance and we expect to see it at Sandan level. Daryl Sensei did that very successfully. His strategy paid off for him in the kumite too. He did not allow others the time and space to land the showstopping techniques. He closed the distance well and his counters were timed and effective. Daryl Sensei really enjoys his training and I don’t think grading to Sandan will change him one bit. He will keep training as hard and ever and make continuous improvement because he really loves karate. Every part of it. Teaching, training and studying the art. Congratulations Daryl Sensei, I am sure the beautiful ladies in your life couldn’t be prouder.

Molly Austin-Hogsden - Sandan

What a student. So bright, so talented and so brilliant. A star. There isn’t enough room to write everything I want to write about this incredible young woman. It has been our honour to watch her grow up and be a part of her journey. She has achieved an extraordinary amount with her karate and it’s just unbelievable that she is just 19 years old and earned her Sandan. So mature, such ridiculously high ability, yet so humble and grounded. Molly is a real credit to her parents who have been behind her and encouraged her every step of the way.

Molly’s been on the England Karate Squad, successfully competed on the National and International stage. English Champion, medalled at BKF level, she has collected so much experience has helped shape her karate into what it is today. Whilst most young ladies her age are out with their mates, Molly is training in the dojo. She has set her goals and done everything possible to achieve them always. She trains, she tests (through comp or gradings), she evaluates her performances and improves. It’s a simple recipe for success and Molly is the perfect example of this. She’s a remarkable role model for all of us. Because no matter where she is up to, she trains with the correct mental attitude that she wants to improve. I am sure this will take her everywhere she wants to get in life.

Needless to say, Molly along with Grace got the best marks on the grading day because she was out-of-this-World good. Crazy good. So good that I watched her Katas and forgot that I needed to score them. I just enjoyed everything about them. Her kumite is the strongest part of her karate and she just makes it look so easy. Effortless even. Her timing and focus is outstanding. She can work out the puzzle because is a thinking fighter. She has excellent control. Her movement is a problem for everyone and if I had to be critical at all, I would say she isn’t actually as confident as she should be! I don’t think she realises just how amazing she is and how many of our students idolize her. How many of our young girls want to have karate like hers. And so they should. Keep that same humble attitude you’ve always had. We are blessed to have you still in our Club, training and teaching. Your students are lucky to have you. Never change Molly - congratulations to our youngest ever Sandan.

Catherine Johnson - Sandan

We are so pleased that Catherine found the courage to start karate and it has become such a massive part of her life. She has been training with us for many years, taking the path that most of our adults have - following her child into karate. Her extraordinarily talented son inspired her to start in the first place and now she has continued and following his departure to uni - his path is on pause (we hope!). Catherine has been extremely dedicated since the very start. And when I say dedicated I mean it. Setting off hours early, taking buses and trains to get to class just to make sure both her and Louis could train before she passed her driving test. She balances her training with a busy career and never misses. She has made karate a priority in her life and it has paid dividends.

She seems much more confident and has really pushed herself out of her comfort zone to try and achieve this grade. She fully deserves it and she earned it. There are no favours here, if it isn’t right, make no mistake - we would have made her do it again. But she has trained so hard to prepare herself. She has entered tournaments to see how she would react under pressure. She has spent endless hours practising in the most challenging classes. If anyone deserves to be a Sandan - it is Catherine. Her Katas flowed nicely on the day and she showed real spirit and determination in the kumite. I really do hope you can take some confidence from this experience and all that self doubt has gone. You are one of the highest graded females in the Club for a reason - because you have worked hard for many years to become VERY good at what you do. We love having you around and you are a great role model to all, especially those Mums who have started alongside their children. You are proof that it is never too late to start. You have paved the way and shown everyone that it can be done. Be proud of yourself Catherine, as we are so proud of you.

Tony Kelly - Sandan

A memory just popped up on my facebook yesterday and Tony Kelly, Emma Stansfield and I actually got our Black Belts together on the same day back in 2003. This shows you just how long Tony Sensei has trained in karate for. He has spent over half of his life training. He has trained and graded in the KUGB (a well known and highly respected organisation) and has been awarded his Nidan 3 times in total. This was his first grading for Sandan and we are delighted to say that he passed first time! He is a real perfectionist. Everything has to be just right and that is a great quality in a karateka. His karate is so strong and I have no doubt throughout his career in the GMP, he has had to make his karate work many times.

Never underestimate Tony, he is a fighting man in every sense. He shows great spirit and never lets anything hold him back, not health, not circumstance. Nothing. You’ll never get an excuse. He just gets on with it and is an inspirational person. Although he wouldn’t agree, because he is incredibly humble. Tony was so strong at the grading and his kumite was excellent. The backward flip was one of the highlights of the YEAR! A true karateka both in and out of the dojo. We are so pleased that our paths crossed again when they did, because without that chance meeting, this enormous achievement wouldn’t have been possible.

Tony is not a ‘tick box exercise’ person who just trains hard for a few months for something and then moves onto the next thing. He has spent hundreds (possibly thousands) of hours preparing for this grading. It is a way of life. He trains several times and week and practises in the gym all the time. He really looks after his body. His fitness and athleticism for his age is extraordinary. Where most at his time of life are probably slowing down, Tony is in fact, speeding up and showing the young un’s how it’s done! He volunteers his time and helps Paul Sensei with our School assemblies and recruitment. He doesn’t have to do this, he does it because he wants to show the next generation the benefits of karate. He is one of the most disciplined characters I know, but he can also be silly and we have such a laugh till your belly hurts. He is so funny! It is a pleasure to have you in our Club and we hope that you will continue your karate journey and keep moving forward. Well done Tony.

Yondan - 4th Dan Black Belt

Robert Head - Yondan

This day really did belong to Rob. Not because he was going for the highest grade and had the most pressure on him. It belonged to Rob because of the wonderful person he is. Yes it was his own grading day, but he was going around making sure every one else was ok. Doing what he always does, sweating his back out at the end of the line and leading by example. He is selfless in the dojo and a true leader. He is widely respected and a huge favourite with the students. He’s the first to admit I’m sure that he can be strict, but it comes from the right place. He wants everyone to be as good as they can possibly be. He wants the very best for his students because he only accepts the very best for himself. Everything is right, training, nutrition, recovery. All planned and followed to the letter. It’s an obsession and that is what it takes to reach this level.

Nobody does more than Rob Sensei and Paul Sensei in terms of personal training and travelling in the pursuit of knowledge. This year alone they have been to Norfolk, Venice, Scotland 3 times, Wolverhampton, Carlisle the list goes on. Rob Sensei has been to Japan and trained with World Champions. He’s booked on the Feb 2024 Japan trip. He takes his karate and his health & fitness seriously. So seriously in fact, that more recently has made a career out of it. He is a great motivator and is such a likeable character.

He’s had to dig deep this year and as he’s been through the worst that life throws at you with the loss of his beloved Mum Kath. Rob has used this to fuel his ambition to be the absolute best that he could be - in her memory. She would have been SO proud of you Rob. You did it in her room, wearing her belt, for her. She was with you and you were incredible. Richard and Debs were so proud too.

The difference in your karate moving from Sandan to Yondan was just phenomenal. I have watched you both times and at this grading we saw a different Rob. You were so focused. You’ve deepened your understanding and prepared yourself so well. We could have thrown any Kata at you and you would have just kept on going. Kata after Kata - 100% correct, powerful, well timed, perfectly executed, focused and ready for the next. Even the nightmare Gojoushiho Dai/Gojushiho Sho combination didn’t throw you off. You were just outstanding.

You’ve always had excellent Kata, but it’s your kumite that has really improved. You’ve increased your repertoire of techniques. You confidently executed sweeps, a full range of kicks, threw level changing combinations, effectively used feints and you were lightning quick on the counter then changed position to confuse your partners. To the point where they are were chasing you round and then you could pick them off. It was a class performance from a first class karateka.

Admittedly, we are all close friends but there was no way Rob was going to pass if he didn’t fulfill his potential. He wouldn’t have wanted it that way - and we don’t do favours here. He made sure, through complete and thorough preparation that his standard was so impressive, there was no chance we could say no. He was just too good. I’ll cut it short now because I could go on forever, but please never change Rob. We are so blessed to have you as a Senior Sensei in our Club, bringing through your excellent students and affecting peoples lives for the better. Encouraging positive change and always bringing great energy to training. The students and Instructors look up to you and so they should. But we are even more blessed that over the years of shared experiences, ups and downs, triumph and heartache - we have built a strong and special relationship that will last forever! Well done Lobby - can’t wait to see how good you’ll be for Godan - I better start writing my speech now!