Over a hundred Karate students from the Bishops Stortford and Stansted Mountfitchet based Shotokan Karate Ryu (SKR) gathered at the Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre in Stansted Mountfitchet on Sunday March 9th for the quarterly Kyu (coloured belt) grading.

The grading was conducted by Sensei Michael Ring (7th Dan) and Sensei Donna Ring (5th Dan), who have 45 years combined experience of teaching traditional Japanese Karate. The comprehensive Kyu grading assessed students on Kihon (basics), Kata (formal exercises), and Kumite (sparring) resulting in a 98% pass rate, reflecting the high standard of Karate required to pass a Kyu grading.

The grading began with the club’s youngest members in the Tiger Tots program, now in its 21st successful year, catering to children aged 4-6 years. The day progressed through each grade culminating in the Brown belts showcasing their abilities in Shiai Kumite (free fighting).

Sensei Michael commented: “The dedication and spirit shown today exemplifies what SKR represents. As we celebrate our 22nd year since the founding of SKR it is inspiring to see so many students continue to maintain the high standards we aspire to.”

Shotokan Karate Ryu continues its commitment to the late Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa in teaching the traditional Shotokan Karate he passed down to Sensei Michael and his instructors. The school maintains its founding principles of developing mental discipline, physical strength, and spiritual growth, instilling values of respect, perseverance, and self-confidence.

As Kanazawa Sensei explained “Karate-do includes many of the finest principles to which we can aspire. It is not only rewarding and healthy, but becomes the interest of a lifetime.”