The July Black Belt Graduations were HOT, the weather was more like a Spanish Island than our own island but despite that the Black Belt candidates approached every challenge thrown at them.
First up was kickboxing on the Saturday with Jack Stead of Normanton, Mary Ann Wood of Wakefield and Ashton Thomas of Rothwell all achieving 1st Dan. The effort, made even more impressive given the weather, was amazing and each promotion earned in sweat as well as skill.
Sunday saw the Karateka hit the mat with no easing of the sunshine, barbeques must have been a more tempting event but the dedication of the students won out. Cy Wilby of Rothwell, Olivia Brady Rothwell, Perrin Read of Morley, Srichand Myneni of Morley, Aiden Huntington of Knottingley, William Hurst of Knottingley and Louie Appleyard, Rohan Damle and Ismail Pervez of Wakefield all achieving 1st Dan after a fantastic display of skill and knowledge.
That was not the end though. Mr Simon Walker and Mrs Christine Walker were on the mat being tested for the not often seen rank of 4th Dan. Showing that improvement and progress in Karate is almost limitless the pair pushed past every challenge and after a gruelling test of skill were duly promoted.
Well done all!
