On Sunday 14th June the Shotokan Karate Ryu (SKR) held its quarterly Kyu (coloured belt) grading examination at the Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre in Stansted Mountfitchet. The examination was undertaken by Sensei Michael Ring (7th Dan), one of the UKs most senior black belts and SKRs Chief Instructor.

110 students from the Bishops Stortford area attended the grading having spent the previous 3-months preparing for the examination. From the moment the session began, the atmosphere was focused, respectful, and full of positive energy, with students, families, and instructors coming together to support each other through a key step in each student’s karate journey.

The grading assessed their students’ abilities in Kihon (basics), Kata (formal exercises), and Kumite (sparring drills). SKR continues to teach the traditional Karate syllabus taught by the late Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan) who brought Shotokan Karate to the UK in 1965 on behalf of the Japan Karate Association.  

A special mention must go to our youngest members as well, who showed excellent determination and resolve. Seeing students of all ages stepping forward, doing their very best, and encouraging one another is exactly what makes these events such an important part of club life and the Karate journey.

At the conclusion of the grading, we were delighted to announce an outstanding result: all 110 students successfully passed. A 100% pass rate is a rare and remarkable achievement and reflects not only the commitment of the students, but also the support from families and the hard work of our instructors in helping every student prepare and perform at their best.

Sensei Michael remarked: “From the youngest students in Tiger Tots (4-6 year olds) to our Adult students, everyone performed extremely well. Sensei Kanazawa would be proud to know that the standards he taught are being maintained and that the spirit of Karate-do remains strong in the Bishops Stortford Area.”