By John Bridgwater
Ludlow SSKO Shukokai Karate Club are celebrating a super success – after no fewer than six of their members secured the coveted black belt.
The group travelled to the organisation’s national grading in Hereford with one goal in mind.
Pictured are (from left) Sensei Paul Jones, Kay Phasey, Catherine Hill, Courtney Bayliss, Zoe Morgan, Ben Anderson and James Clewer.
And they were not to disappoint with Kay Phasey, Catherine Hill, Courtney Bayliss, Zoe Morgan, Ben Anderson and James Clewer all earning their black belts in style.
The grading event itself involved attending a two-hour training course, followed by a three-hour examination which contained elements of karate that the students have studied over the last five years – including basics, kata, sparring and padwork.
Following the grading, the results were announced with the Ludlow club now proudly boasting six new black belts who were awarded the grade of Shodan-Ho.
All six successful members received their new black belt and a framed certificate as they were rewarded for all their hard work.
Senior club instructor, Sensei Paul Jones, was understandably delighted with the success of the students.
“It’s fantastic to see young people so committed and focused in their training to achieve their dream of wearing a black belt,” he said.
“It is a huge achievement and I am very proud of the students.”
The South Shropshire Leisure Centre-based club get together every Monday evening.
All six black belt candidates have trained weekly under the instruction of senior club instructor Sensei Paul, who took up the reins at Ludlow in October 2003.
SSKO Ludlow assistant instructor Tia Johnson has recently left the club to attend university in Gloucester.
Sensei Paul added: “Myself and all the students at the club would just like to say a huge thank you to Tia for her help, instruction and friendship at Ludlow over the last five years.
“Tia played a huge role in the development of our new black belts and although we will miss her, we all wish all the very best at university.”
Beginners of all ages are welcome at the karate club.
Anyone interested in joining should contact Sensei Paul Jones for further information.
He can be contacted by phone on 07891 488112 or by email at pauljoneskarate@hotmail.co.uk