Dartmouth Karate Club recently had its quarterly grading with the Karate Union of Great Britain’s chief instructor and chairman Sensei Andy Sherry 9th Dan. Karate gradings are by their very nature both strenuous and pressurised in equal measure. Having Sensei Sherry taking the session and grading made the tension in the Dojo palpable.

The students are put through their paces with a two hour training session, where they have to perform, Kihon(basics), Kata(forms) and Kumite(fighting). Once the training is over, there is a five minute break, then the grading commences. Dartmouth Karate Club prides itself on its grading success, and this grading was up to the high standard expected.

Eight students passed with flying colours, Ewan Menzies 7th Kyu, Charlie James 6th Kyu, Summer Turner 6th Kyu, Sylvie Langworthy 6th Kyu, Megan Langworthy 3rd Kyu, Harvey Schween 3rd Kyu, Tyler Urch 1st Kyu and Callum Harper 1st Kyu. Also pictured are Sensei Sherry, Sensei Peter Atkins, Dartmouth Karate Clubs founder and senior instructor, other black belt instructors and students.

Karate gives so much to its students, patience, courage, self-confidence, self-control, strength, flexibility and concentration. Dartmouth Karate Club has been teaching the young and young at heart for over 44 years. It is a member of The Karate Union of Great Britain, which is the largest single style karate association in Britain.

If you would like to try Karate, the first session is free, and thereafter you pay per session, no direct debits or joining fee’s. Training is on Wednesday evening 6:30-8, Sunday morning 10:30-12 at Dartmouth Leisure Centre.

For more information ring either Peter Atkins 01803 833794 or Kain Harper 07816897251. Or visit the Dartmouth Karate Club website.