Yet More Grading Success

I always enjoy the build up to a grading course, the heady mix of excitement and nerves! And this course was no different, in fact if anything there was a little more anticipation than usual as one of our favourite instructors, Hans Rana Sensei, would be leading the training.

Aiden and Aiwin look to be having too much fun!

From what was reported afterwards everyone really enjoyed the training (I was out the country with work so unfortunately could not attend the course). Hans Sensei managed to get every ounce of effort out of everyone, but in his usual style left them smiling whilst gasping for breath!

As well as the usual basics, there was work on kicking, combinations highlighting the importance of using your hips to generate power, and Junro Yondan and Junro Godan for the higher grades.

Onto the gradings: Zach, Daniel, Thomas,and Leon were first up, looking to earn their first Karate Belt. They all put in solid performances to pass their first grading. A special mention must go to Thomas for achieving a double grading and getting his 11^th Kyu – well done it is very rare for an examiner to award a double grade.

Next to represent the club were Oliver (S), Annabelle, Ethan, Jeon, Nixon, Kai and Izzy (the youngest karateka grading by several years!), again all were successful in attaining the next step on their karate journey (10^th Kyu), with Jeon being commended for his good kihon. It was good to see Nixon pass his first grading since moving to the club – it will be a lot easier to tell what grade he is now that his belt is the same style as everyone else’s!

 

Hans Sensei getting everyone to work hard

Poppy and Edwin were the last of our Junior Grades to step in front of the examiners. They have both been looking very strong in the lead up to the grading and did not disappoint, Poppy coming away with her 9^th Kyu, and Edwin attaining his 8^th Kyu.

Next up were our adult Junior Grades with Irena and Paul. Paul has returned to us recently after a prolonged break from karate. It is always great to see old member come back to the club, and even better when they smoothly attain the next grade. Irena joined him at 8^th Kyu despite being very nervous in the run up to the grading. Well done to the both of you. Although, you do not get the chance to rest on your laurels – there is a next syllabus and a new Kata to learn for your next grading!

 

The senior grades performing Tekki Shodan

William, Evie, and Aidan were up next, all going for their Yellow Belt. They have all put in a lot of work to get ready for the grading and it showed in the result. They all went home with the Yellow belt that really marks the end of you as a beginner, and the start of more intensive training. I know that Aiden was desperate to get his Yellow Belt, and hope that he keeps the same level of determination for the rest of his grades.

Aiwin and Oliver (G) were both going for their Green Belt, along with Sarah, who was very nervous and unsure before the grading. All three did excellently (with Sarah getting commended for her Kumite by the examiner). The next step is Purple belt which is step up in what is expected of you, but I know that you all have it in you to keep climbing the grades (and for Aiwin to keep ahead of his brother!).

Olivia and Holly were up next, both going for a Purple Belt (5^th Kyu for Olivia and 4^th Kyu for Holly). Your instructors had no doubt that you were both ready for this grading,  but is it always down to the individual karateka to put in a good performance on the day. And they did not disappoint, both put in very solid performances to get one step closer to their next milestone (Brown Belt!)

The inspirational Hans Sensei

Helen was our last entry for the grading. Helen has been impressing a lot of people with her karate lately. Mike Sensei and Paul Sensei have both commented that she seems to have suddenly turned a corner and settled into her style of karate – and I know from personal experience how impressive her Kumite has become. Despite all this I know that Helen is a victim of nerves before her gradings. However, she needn’t have worried as she put in a very strong performance (being commended for her good spirit in her Kihon) to get her Brown Belt. Perhaps Helen you will be more inclined to believe the compliments of your instructors – they are not given out lightly!

All in all another very successful grading for the club. Thanks have to go to Mike Sensei and our team of instructors for getting everyone ready, Paul Sensei for his usual fantastic organisation, and Hans Sensei for the excellent instruction. I’m looking forward to the next grading in October (work permitting!).

visit www.haxbykarate.co.uk to find out more about our Club. For more information email info@haxbykarate.co.uk