Only a couple of weekends after the Kyu gradings, nervous candidates met up at Balliol Lower School in Kempston for the black belt gradings. Congratulations must firstly go to George Ephgrave of Ampthill who successfully achieved Shodan (1st Level Black Belt).
Nidan (2nd Level Black Belt) was awarded to Andy Livesey, of Clapham club, after a very good grading. He was also awarded his MASA approved instructor’s licence at the conclusion of his grading. All-in-all a true red letter day for him, congratulations Andy.
Sandan (3rd Level ) was awarded after many years of hard karate training to both Sensei Pam Waterhouse and Sensei Simon McMahon. They train at various clubs in Milton Keynes and jointly run Newton Longville Club. To attain any level of black belt isn’t easy. To achieve third degree dan grade status is truly a mammoth achievement and takes a minimum of about twelve years to even be eligible. Sandan is globally recognised as instructor level in recognition of being a senior black belt. Many congratulations must go to them both on a well-deserved result and a day that will live long in their memory.