Despite the considerable restrictions placed on training by COVID SKR was able to develop an online club portal for students to continue training at home in addition to online lessons hosted over zoom. This allowed a dedicated group of students to continue to work towards their Dan gradings.

The end of lockdown allowed for a return to formal lessons and the hard work and dedication of students culminated in a decision by the EKO to allow them to attempt their Dan gradings in October 2020.

As with all SKR Dan gradings the Karate-ka met at our the Hombu in Stansted Mountfitchet to undergoing a vigorous test of their knowledge in the art of Karate-do officiated by a panel with over 50 years experience and Chair by SKR Chief Instructor Sensei Michael Ring 6th Dan.

After an hour and a half examination of the candidates ability and knowledge in Kihon, Kata and Kumite the panel confirmed:

Daniel Bresme-Dominguez 1st Dan

Oliver Hunter   1st Dan 

Olivia Bowen 1st Dan

Ariane Doughty 1st Dan

Luca Burli 1st Dan

Tristan Caiger 1st Dan

Cameron Lancaster 1st Dan

Connor Lancaster  1st Dan

Stuart Hunter 1st Dan

Alex Richardson 1st Dan

Paul Thomas 1st Dan

Tanys Lancaster 1st Dan

Bret Lancaster 1st Dan

Ben Mellors  2nd Dan

Tim Mellors 2nd Dan

Apostolos Zacharatos 3rd Dan

Stuart Trow 4th Dan

Sensei Sharkey commented: “It is a testament to the caliber of the student and Instructors in the SKR that despite the adversities imposed by the pandemic students were not only able to continue to commit to their training, but were able to achieve Dan grades after such an unprecedented year.”