Kumite
Nazareth College Gymnasium was the venue for the end of year Black Belt Grading and Assessment. Around 60 Region 9 and Region 23 Instructors and students attended, with several students being assessed for Shodan-ho and Shodan grades. Following the bow-in and a welcome to Zone Director Sensei Mark Case, Sensei Daniel Tregenza warmed up the class before passing over to Sensei Mark.
The first part of the Grading followed a traditional Basics format, with Sensei Mark setting a solid pace. Punches and Strikes were followed by Blocks, Kicks and Combos, with the Kick Combo particularly testing to the students. Following a quick break, students partnered up for some combination work.
Time for Kata and it was interesting to see the variation in pace of the students. However, it was the quality of technique that was being examined, along with timing and focus. The Kata progressed through the grade levels until it was time for those nominated for Shodan-ho to perform Sanseru and Sepei in front of the grading panel. Everyone back up again for Hangetsu, and then for those attempting Shodan, another Kata for the panel. The nod was given and time for sparring.
Each student being assessed were given a thorough working out by the high Dan Grades, with lower grade students dropping out after each round. After several rounds of sparring, Yame was called for a final time and it was time for deliberation. The Grading Panel lined up, Certificates and Black Belts behind then as the formal close to the class ran. Sensei Mark got up and had a brief chat to all before the presentation of Certificates and Belts to the successful students.
Congratulations to Sean Hutton, Nik McDonald, Mary Bambacus and Fraser Thompson for grading to Shodan-ho and to Jenny Miller and William Kelleher for grading to Shodan. A final thankyou by Sensei James to Sensei Mark concluded the evening, with the usual congratulation to all new Black Belts, Photographs and the opportunity to speak to Sensei Mark following.
