We held a Brown and Black belt course Sunday 26th February. It was very well attended with over 85 senior graded students and Instructors in attendance.

Paul Wolstencroft Sensei led the course with the help of Rob Head Sensei and Sam Jackson Sensei.

The Black belts broke down Kata Empi and then practised kumite skills with Paul Sensei.

The 1st Kyu’s went through black belt combinations, Kata Junro Shodan and Bassai Dai with Rob Sensei.

The 3rd and 2nd Kyu’s went through the Heian Katas and Bassai Dai and then broke down the combinations.

The group then came back together and did 30 minutes Jiyu Kumite (continuous free sparring) with plenty of lower grades getting the opportunity to spar with Senior Black belts and Instructors.

The class flew by and we hope that everyone enjoyed it.

A 2nd Kyu and 1st Kyu grading followed the course and we would like to congratulate the following students who were promoted to their next grades. These students are so close to getting their black belt now. Keep working hard to improve and make sure you stay consistent with your training.

Thank you to Rob Sensei and Callum Sensei who were the examiners along side Paul and Rachael Sensei. Thanks to Helen D Sensei too for organising us! Thanks also to the parents and loved ones who support them throughout their karate journey, keeping them motivated and helping them to fulfill their potential.

New 2nd Kyu’s:

• Adam Cooper - Adam did brilliantly at his grading, he has increased his scores from the last time and made plenty of improvement. He has grown in confidence and seems to enjoy his training more now. He’s trying harder and steadily gaining strength and power. Well done Adam and keep up the great work, we know you can get there, you have all the ability in the World.

• McKenzie Lamont - Excellent grading for McKenzie who has always had impressive karate. He is committed and determined and has outstanding kumite. He has worked hard to improve his kihon and katas and we were really pleased with his progress. Keep it up McKenzie!

• James  Rigby - James is an outstanding karateka. There are no weak areas of James karate he has made impressive progress between 3rd Kyu and 2nd Kyu. He has grown in confidence and we could not ask more from him. He works so hard and in class. With sustained effort and commitment he will be unstoppable when he goes for his black belt. Well done James.

• Jake  Quinn - Jake McSpooney Face is one of the most committed students in the Club. He is at karate almost every day of the week. He is so committed to the sport and becoming the best he can be. He is a pleasure to teach, has really improved and we are so proud of him. He is a wonderful cadet leader too. Well done Jake, keep it up fella.

• Lauren  Everett - Lauren has excellent karate, she has always shown great promise and is really starting to fulfill it. She was calm and composed throughout the grading and scored highly for her katas and kumite. We were very impressed. Keep up the great work Lauren.

• Oscar  Thomson - What a student, what a grading. Oscar is another marvellous student with limitless potential. He works SO so hard every time we see him and just gets better and better. We are excited by his talent and work ethic and if he keeps up the effort, he will be an outstanding black belt. Well done Oscar.

• Nathan  Williams - Nathan did really well at his grading and we love having this cheerful little cheeky chappy in the club. He is so fun. He tries hard and has improved. We need to work a little more on the kihon and katas but I think Nathan will know this. He can do it! Keep up the good work.      

• Samantha Lawrie - Sam was so nervous and I’m not sure why, she did brilliantly. She should have more confidence because her karate is strong and she has lovely technique. She scored high marks in her kihon and kata and could do with being a bit more positive in her kumite. Relax too, you are very talented! You are great, keep it up.

New 1st Kyu’s:

• Helen  Cowley - Another outstanding performance from Helen who is one of our most dedicated members. Always training and eager to learn I don’t think there is a day in the week when shes not in the dojo or at least practising karate. All this hard work is paying off because she always scores the highest marks and excels every time she grades. Well done you are a very brave and talented lady!

• Darren Williams - Darren did brilliantly at his grading, we expected a lot from him and he was even better than we thought he would be. Another consistent performance from a very committed and enthusiastic student. We really enjoy having Darren in our club and watching him develop, he is strong and is a great all round karateka. No weak areas, just quality. Well done.          

• Holly  Percival - Holly was exceptionally good at her grading. You can see the quality in her karate, she has taken her time, worked her way to the top and is such a strong young lady. When she fights she is fearless. Her Katas and Kumite and beautiful and we were all so impressed. Every examiner gave her good marks and had positive comments. Keep it up Holly, you’re a star!

• John  Oliver - John is another student who has been very patient on his karate journey, he has made steady progress and is now an excellent standard. Strong, sharp, determined I have nothing but good things to say about John. He is such a talented karateka and a pleasure to teach. A lovely young man too. We are excited to see you go for your black belt, you’ll be tremendous! Well done.

• Sophie Lever - Sophie has always been a great student and consistently impresses us. She is hard working determined and as awesome sparring. She made excellent progress between 2nd Kyu and 1st kyu and finally looks like she is gaining in confidence. It’s like the last peices of the puzzle are coming together just in time. Great grading Sophie and keep up the fantastic work.

• Lauren  Dew Parry - What an excellent performance from Lauren who is steadily growing in confidence. She’s always had the ability and we know she can do it, she just needs to start believing in herself and she will be superb. Her Katas flowed well and her kumite was strong. Keep up the fabulous work Lauren.