On Sunday 8th March 2022 over 150 students from across Hertfordshire and Essex gathered at the Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre to take part in the quarterly Shotokan Karate Ryu (SKR) Kyu grading for white to brown belts. A dozen students hoping to attempt their black belts also attended for a mock-grading to prepare them for the real thing.

Despite two years of disruption caused by the pandemic students have continued to train online with Sensei Michael and utilised the Karate Bitesize website developed during the first lockdown to maintain their Karate training. These efforts combined with a return to normal lessons culminated in an exciting and challenging examination for their next Kyu (coloured) belt.

The Shotokan Karate Ryu has remained true to the traditional style of Karate taught by the late great Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan) the legendary winner of the first all Japan Karate tournament and founder of Shotokan Karate International. Training includes the focus on basic techniques (Kihon), formal exercises (Kata) and fighting drills (Kumite) – all of which are tested on during the grading.

The Senior grading examiner on the day, Sensei Michael Ring (6th Dan) commented: “It is a testament to the discipline and determination of the students that so many were able to continue their training during the pandemic and return to lessons ready to commence normal training. Kanazawa Kancho would have been pleased to know that the standard of Karate-do on display was as strong as ever and SKR continues to live up to his legacy.”