SHOTOKAN KARATE RYU’S SUCCESS STORY //
Young Karate Students Earn Prestigious Black Belts //
On Sunday 6th April 2025, Karate-ka from the Shotokan Karate Ryu gathered for a Dan Grade (Black Belt) examination at St John’s Church Hall in Stansted Mountfitchet under the watchful eye of Chief Instructor Sensei Michael Ring (7th Dan).
Dan Gradings are designed to test students of Karate (Karate-ka)’s ability in basic techniques (Kihon), formal exercises (Kata), and sparring (Kumite) to determine whether they have reached the required standard to be awarded the coveted Kuro Obi (Black Belt).
▶︎ SKR celebrates eight successful junior candidates—seven of whom started training in our Tiger Tots program at age four.
▶︎ Half of these students followed in their elder siblings' footsteps by achieving their black belt, while two siblings earned their belts together on the same day!
The grading commenced with Kihon where Dan grade candidates crossed the dojo (training hall), demonstrating combinations called out in Japanese by the Chief Examiner. After five repetitions, the candidates turned and repeated the exercise with a new combination called out in Japanese. The Kihon section continued without rest for fifteen minutes before the panel, consisting of 4 Black Belts with over a hundred years’ combined experience in Karate-do, were satisfied.
The second section involved Kumite drills where candidates were partnered up to attack and defend against different attacks called out by the Chief Examiner. Attacks included face punches, body punches, front kicks, side kicks, roundhouse kicks, turning kicks, and leg sweeps. Candidates then changed partners and repeated the exercise until the panel were satisfied they had seen enough.
The third section involved candidates demonstrating their chosen Dan grade Kata before the panel, before being called up as a group to demonstrate five more Kata of the Examiner’s choice. All Kata were performed with full speed and power and, for the 1st Dan candidates, were from a list of 12 Kata, and for the 2nd Dan candidate, from a list of 17 Kata.
The final section involved Shiai Kumite (Free Sparring) where each candidate had to spar four other candidates. The 2nd Dan candidate was also tested with Happo Kumite (circle sparring) where four 1st Dan candidates attacked him repeatedly from four different directions.
“SKR is a family and it is a testament to the club that Hannah, Lauren, Mariella and William have all followed in the footsteps of older siblings in achieving their Black Belts, and siblings Leo and Marisa achieved their black belts at the same time.
What makes this achievement even more special is that seven of these eight candidates started their journey with us at just four years old in our Tiger Tots program.
All of the candidates performed exceptionally in what was an extremely demanding Dan grading. Their parents should be very proud of this achievement.”
The grading ended with the examiners considering the performance of each candidate and deciding whether they had demonstrated the requisite ability to be awarded their Dan grade. The panel concluded that Lauren Bowen (12), Leo Salinas (10), Marissa Salinas (14), Mariella Doughty (14), Hannah Pelly (13), George Sassis (14) and William Turvey (12) demonstrated the requirements of 1st Dan and were awarded Kuro Obi (Black Belt). Kai Scheffer (14) was awarded the rank of 2nd Dan (NiDan) in recognition of an outstanding performance.
Sensei Michael commented: “SKR is a family and it is a testament to the club that Hannah, Lauren, Mariella and William have all followed in the footsteps of older siblings in achieving their Black Belts, and siblings Leo and Marisa achieved their black belts at the same time. What makes this achievement even more special is that seven of these eight candidates started their journey with us at just four years old in our Tiger Tots program. All of the candidates performed exceptionally in what was an extremely demanding Dan grading. Their parents should be very proud of this achievement.”
Ben Miller (11), Aiden Moldehnke (14) with Sensei Michael Ring
Shotokan Karate Ryu Successful Black Belt Passes to Date:
Shodan
Nidan
Sandan
Yondan
Godan
Celebratory lunch for candidates and their families after the Dan Grading
Mark, Joanne & the Team
The Three Willows, Birchanger
After the grading, family members joined the panel for a celebratory meal—our largest gathering yet with 21 guests!
The Three Willows team provided exceptional service and delicious food, earning enthusiastic praise from everyone.