Leading lights are a hit at examinations
Shrewsbury Wado Ryu Club welcomed some of the world's leading karate figures as young students were rewarded for impressive examination results.
Sensei Kuniaki Sakagami, eighth dan, and Sensei Peter May, seventh dan, checked in to present a number of awards at the Rodington Village Hall-based club.
Several youngsters who practice at the club were successful in passing their first dan black belt examinations.
They were Jae King, 15, James Burn, 15, Luke Morris,13, Henry Eady, 13, Brandon Garner, 13, along with Oliver Rigby, 13, and Oliver Edwards, 14, from the Gaston Payne club, Stafford Park, Telford.
The students' hard work and dedication over a three-year period was recognised as they all passed with honours.
The event was held throughout the day and consisted of formal training sessions, practice and examinations.
The afternoon involved more than 30 students in training led by Sakagami, international chief instructor for Wado Kia, and the European and world squad coach, May.
Four senior students were presented with first dan black belts.
They demonstrated their skills in Sanbome Gumite (defence and attacks), Kihon (applied techniques) and three Katas (Yondan, Nihanchi and Chinto).
The examination culminated in competition fighting (Kumite). The highest awards to be presented were fourth dan black belts to both Dave Sheppard and Tom Currie.
They also demonstrated advanced and applied techniques including knife (tanto-dori), sword (tachi-dori), idori (kneeling) in attack and defence, and Kata forms (Yondan, Jitte and Neseishi).
Chief instructor of the Shropshire Wado Ryu club, Sensei Frank Johnson, sixth dan said: "It was an amazing day.
"Everyone passed and they all demonstrated the true spirit of karate showing good Kumai, no fear, sharp focus and excellent technique. I'm very proud of all of them.
Club secretary, Tom Currie added: "The club is non-profit making and exists to encourage anyone and everyone to take up the sport.
"It promotes a healthy lifestyle good discipline and a positive code for life. After all, the literal translation of Wado Ryu means the way of peace.
"We run sessions at Rodington Village Hall (SY4 4QS) from 7pm till 8pm on Thursdays each week for beginners and young people, and for seniors and advanced students from 8pm-9.30pm.
"We're open to anyone aged six and over, offering a great way to get fit, stay fit and gain confidence."
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Sensei Frank Johnson, on 07944 643477 or Tom Currie on 01952 770258.
