On Sunday 18th July 2010, Sensei Damon, Shaun Jurgelewicz and Graham Standing travelled to Canterbury in Kent for their 3rd Dan Black Belt grading, and 1st Dan Black Belt grading respectively. 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 on the left and Shihan Elcombe is on the right in the above picture, together with Sensei Keith Parker, Chief Instructor of Genshi Ryoku Karate, who was also attempting his 3rd Dan Black Belt.

Shihan Ellis and Shihan Elcombe challenged the WTMA Sensei and students 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 Shihan Ellis, of which further details will be published when they are available.

After some time to assess the grading performance, Shihan Ellis called the WTMA Sensei and students back into the dojo, and announced that all had passed to their next grade, 3rd Dan Black Belt, and 1st Dan Black Belt respectively.

Sensei Damon, Shaun and Graham would like to thank Shihan Ellis and Shihan Elcombe for their support throughout a very tough, but rewarding challenge.

I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to Shaun and Graham, who represented the club and all we stand for in an exemplary manner, and made me proud to be standing next to them as their instructor. Your students are a reflection of you as an instructor, and when they put in a performance such as they did, it makes all of the hours spent teaching them wholly worthwhile. I am sure you will join in me in congratulating them on their achievement, and I expect them to be pushing you all to achieve your best in every session from now on.

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