DAN GRADING ASSESSMENT - SUNDAY 10th APRIL 2011

On Sunday 10th April 2010, Sensei Sally and Sensei Della travelled to Canterbury in Kent for their 3rd Dan Black Belt grading. The Chief examiner was Shihan Joe Ellis 6th Dan, Chairman of NAKMAS and Chief Instructor of Kent Karate Schools, assisted by Shihan Mick Elcombe 5th Dan. Shihan Ellis is in the middle and Shihan Elcombe is 3rd from the left in the above picture, together with Sensei Keith Parker 3rd Dan, on the left, Chief Instructor of Genshi Ryoku Karate, who graded with Sensei Damon in July last year, and brought ten 1st Kyu and 1st Dan students with him for their own grading.

Shihan Ellis and Shihan Elcombe challenged the WTMA Senseis in a very physically, as well as mentally,  tough grading examination. As all Black belt grading assessments, this grading took place behind closed doors with only other Black belts allowed to observe or assist. This grading followed a one and a half hour training seminar with Sensei Damon, of which further details will be published when they are available.

After some time to assess the grading performance, Shihan Ellis called the WTMA Senseis back into the dojo, and announced that both had passed to their next grade, 3rd Dan Black Belt.

Sensei Sally & Sensei Della would like to thank Shihan Ellis and Shihan Elcombe for their support throughout a very tough, but rewarding challenge, together with Sensei Keith and his students, who all passed, and were a credit to their club.

I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Sensei Sally & Sensei Della, as this was a very hard grading, and is a fantastic result for our club. The majority of students never stay in martial arts long enough to achieve 1st Dan, let alone 3rd Dan, and in what is still a male dominated activity, to have two female 3rd Dans at the head of our club is an achievement to be shouted from the rooftops.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the instructors, students, parents and guests for their continued support. Without you, the club would not be what it is, and truly something we should all be very proud of.

Sensei Damon

Sensei Sally Cooper 3rd Dan

Sensei Della Griffiths 3rd Dan

Sensei Sally Cooper 3rd Dan & Sensei Della Griffiths 3rd Dan