Autumn Course & Black Belt Grading Results
As another fantastic Autumn Course comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to every student who attended and took part. Your enthusiasm, commitment, and support are what make these events such a success. It was wonderful to see so many karateka coming together to train, learn, and push themselves to new levels.
A special thank you must go to Matt Price Sensei, 7th Dan JKS, for once again taking the time to visit and share his extensive knowledge and experience with us. His ability to challenge, motivate, and inspire students of all grades is truly exceptional. Every time he teaches, we come away with a deeper understanding of our karate and fresh motivation to improve.
The Kyu Grades Course was exceptionally well attended, with students working hard throughout the day while clearly enjoying every minute of the training. The effort, focus, and determination on display were a credit to everyone involved.
Our Brown and Black Belt Course was filled to capacity and featured outstanding tuition throughout. Students had the opportunity to work in depth on kicks, stances, Kata Empi, Mawashigeri Chudan, and Gyakuzuki, gaining valuable insights and refinements to their technique. The atmosphere was positive, energetic, and focused, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed a challenging and rewarding session.
Huge thank you to Paul Towler from Kick and Flick Photography for once again capturing the atmosphere and all the best moments. We will share the highlights on the gallery over the coming days.
Immediately following the course, we held our Dan Grading, with students attempting grades ranging from Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) through to Yondan (4th Dan Black Belt). Simply making the decision to stand before a grading panel and put your abilities on display takes tremendous courage. It is a test not only of physical skill but also of character, determination, and spirit. Regardless of the outcome, every student who stepped forward showed bravery and honour by accepting the challenge. Not everyone is successful on every occasion, but every candidate gave their absolute best, and for that they should be immensely proud.
For those who did not achieve the result they hoped for this time, remember that setbacks are often the greatest teachers. Listen carefully to the feedback you have received, work on those areas, and return stronger. This is what karate, and indeed all martial arts, is truly about. As the saying goes, fall down nine times, get up ten. Success belongs to those who persevere. Do not quit the marathon in the final mile. Your journey continues, and your next opportunity is only another step forward on your path. We are proud of you all and you should be proud of yourselves regardless of the result.
To those who were successful, congratulations on a well-earned achievement. Wear your new grade with humility, honour, and pride. A higher grade is not just recognition of what you have already accomplished; it is a responsibility to uphold the values of karate and set an example for those who follow behind you. You are now among the students that others look up to and aspire to become. Continue to train hard, continue to learn, and continue to share your knowledge and experience with others. While you can take a moment to enjoy your success, remember that every new belt simply marks the beginning of the next stage of your karate journey.
Finally, we would like to thank all of the parents, families, and supporters who make these achievements possible. Behind every successful student is a village of people providing encouragement, transport, patience, and support. There are many days when motivation is low and other activities may seem more appealing, yet parents and guardians continue to encourage students to attend training and stay committed to their goals. Success in karate is rarely achieved alone. It is a genuine team effort, with students, parents, and instructors all working together, supporting one another, and moving forward towards shared goals.
Our Black Belt Register has been updated and we always share a few words about the individual students and the journey that has brought them to this magnificent achievement.
Sam Jackson - Yondan (4th Dan Black Belt)
Achieving the rank of Yondan, 4th Dan Black Belt, is a remarkable milestone and one that is rarely achieved and always thoroughly deserved.
Sam's karate journey began in childhood, training alongside his sister Charlotte (an excellent Black Belt herself) and with the full backing of his amazing parents Kerrie and Mark who have played a huge role in enabling Sam to get where he is today. He has a lot to thank them for. From those early days, his commitment stood out. Week after week, year after year, he could be found in the dojo, training at least three times a week with a consistency and dedication that few people could match. I know he used to practise endlessly at home! As soon as I met him, I knew this lad was born to be in that gi and he would make it to Black Belt! He’s gone above and beyond that and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
Over the years, Sam established himself as one of the club's most successful students and competitors, representing JKS England at both National and International level and collecting an impressive medal and trophy haul. Mum and Dad had to get him his own cabinet. Among his many achievements, winning Gold in Team Kata at the BKF Championships stands as a particularly proud moment in a lengthy and distinguished competitive career. He was Student of the Year way back in 2013 and if I could, I would have given it to him every year since! Lucky for everyone else, that’s not allowed! He’s won student of the grading, dominated out Club Championships for years, won awards at Training Weekends and attended everything he possibly could to learn and better himself.
Today, Sam is a busy and highly sought-after instructor whose classes reflect the same passion and enthusiasm that have driven him throughout his own journey. His ability to teach, inspire and lead others is exceptional, and his students benefit daily from both his knowledge and the example he sets. He’s now our Squad Coach and passes his wealth of experience onto others, inspiring them and pushing them to be the best they can be. He selflessly gives his time up at weekends to coach at long tournament days and be there for his team. We couldn’t ask for a better role model for the squad.
Technically, Sam's karate is outstanding. Powerful, sharp and incredibly precise, it is the product of thousands upon thousands of hours of dedicated training. Yet what makes his performance so special is that he makes the difficult look effortless. Watching him train is a reminder of what can be achieved through years of disciplined practice and unwavering commitment.
His performance at the grading was so calm, so confident. His Katas were extraordinary and needless to say, he scored the best marks ever awarded by us for a Yondan. His practical application would work and he was confident when demonstration with his uke - Damien. The kumite section was a real highlight too. Outstanding focus, timing, he used a full range of techniques, you name it, Sam can do it. To whoever and whenever he wants. He is that good and its all class.
Despite all of his success, however, what stands out most is his character. Sam remains one of the most humble and down-to-earth people anyone could hope to meet. He has never taken his natural ability for granted and continues to approach training with the same work ethic, determination and enthusiasm he showed as a young boy. In many ways, he still trains with the mindset of a beginner, always looking to improve and always willing to put in the work. He genuinely enjoys karate and is always eager to learn. He is a true martial artist.
What makes this achievement even more exciting is the fact that Sam is still only in his mid-twenties. His potential is limitless, and there is every reason to believe that the best is still yet to come. It is our hope that future opportunities will allow him to experience authentic training in Japan and continue learning from some of the world's finest instructors, further developing the immense talent he already possesses.
More importantly than any title, medal or grade, Sam has grown into an outstanding young man, a role model for the next generation and a credit to his family, his students and his club. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and grateful for the knowledge, experience and inspiration he continues to share with those around him.
Congratulations to Sam Jackson on achieving Yondan, 4th Dan Black Belt. An exceptional karateka, an exceptional instructor, and an exceptional person. 🥋👏🏻🏆
Duncan Sommerville - Nidan 2nd Dan Black Belt
Duncan joined our club with an impressive karate pedigree from the Karate Union of Great Britain and showed great humility in being willing to re-grade and prove himself within our organisation. His strong foundations, excellent technical ability and willingness to keep learning have made him a valued member of the club. Throughout his grading, Duncan demonstrated the qualities expected of a senior black belt. His kata performances showcased both his technical ability and years of experience, and they were a pleasure to watch. His movement, control and understanding of the principles behind each kata reflected the depth of his training.
Equally commendable was his attitude during kumite. Stepping into the sparring area takes courage at any age or rank, and Duncan approached the challenge with determination, spirit and bravery. He demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit that are such important elements of karate. Congratulations to Duncan on a thoroughly deserved Nidan. 🥋👏🏻
Jane Murison - Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt)
There are some people who make a lasting impact on everyone around them, and Jane Murison is certainly one of them. As one of our instructors, she leads with kindness, humility and genuine care for her students, making her a wonderful role model both inside and outside the dojo.
Her Nidan grading was outstanding, with strong performances across every area and a level of focus and determination that was impossible to miss. A true martial artist, karate is in her bones, and her dedication, character and passion continue to inspire everyone around her. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful to have such a special person as part of our club. We were pleased to help you reach this milestone and will do everything in our power to make sure that your journey continues and you can keep enjoying your karate. Congratulations, Jane, on a thoroughly deserved 2nd Dan Black Belt. 🥋👏🏻
James Rigby - Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt)
It's hard to believe that James Rigby is now 18 years old. Many of us remember him when he so little and sweet, who first walked into the dojo with his sidekick, and now he's bigger than all of us and blessed with even bigger talent. Training consistently week after week, James has always been one of those students who simply never seems to run out of energy, combining a fantastic work ethic with strength, fitness and determination.
He works hard on every aspect of his karate, but there is no denying that his long limbs and natural athleticism make him a formidable kumite competitor. His sparring is exceptional, and anyone who can hold their own with Sam Jackson is certainly doing something right. What impressed us most during this grading was the maturity and discipline he showed. Rather than rushing in, he demonstrated patience, composure and control, producing a much more measured performance that allowed his ability to shine through.
James has developed into an outstanding young martial artist and his Nidan is thoroughly deserved. There is still so much more to come from him, and if he continues to train with the same enthusiasm and dedication, Sandan is well within his reach. We're very proud of the martial artist he has become and excited to see where his karate journey takes him next. 🥋👏🏻
Joe Rutter - Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt)
At just 13 years old, Joe R continues to prove himself as one of the most exciting young talents in our club. A true kata star, he delivered an outstanding Nidan grading, showing remarkable composure, focus and maturity throughout. His calmness under pressure set the standard for the younger candidates around him and demonstrated qualities far beyond his years. He was no slouch in the kumite section might I add, scoring some great techniques and having a razor sharp gyakuzuki, saw him through that part of the grading with ease. Joe is lucky to have exceptionally supportive parents who enable him to push himself and take advantage of all the best training opportunities on offer. The hard work is all his own though. And he really does work exceptionally hard and is in the dojo almost every night of the week.
Joe's selection to represent the North of England at the EKNGB Nationals is richly deserved, and every success that comes his way will have been earned through talent, hard work and dedication. Supported by a fantastic family, Joe is an absolute class act and a wonderful example of what can be achieved through commitment and passion for karate. Congratulations on an exceptional achievement and a thoroughly deserved 2nd Dan Black Belt. 🥋👏🏻
Arthur Purdy - Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt)
Arthur P has been part of our karate family since he was very small, and watching him achieve his Nidan at just 14 years old has been a truly proud moment for everyone involved especially his proud parents and Instructors. Working closely with Mike and Leesa Sensei over many years, Arthur has developed into an exceptional young karateka whose ability has always been clear to see.
His grading performance was outstanding, earning high marks across all three areas and showing tremendous bravery during kumite. While his talent has never been in doubt, we hope this achievement helps Arthur see in himself what the rest of us have always seen, because there is nothing he cannot achieve when he puts his mind to it. Kind, patient and respectful, he is already an excellent Cadet Leader and someone we hope will become an instructor in the future. We are incredibly proud of the wonderful young man and martial artist he is becoming. 🥋👏🏻
Vikki Cargill - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Vikki Cargill is a fantastic example of what a black belt should be. Strong, powerful and incredibly dedicated, she consistently pushes herself in training and has developed excellent all-round karate with no weak areas. Balancing her karate journey alongside the demands of being a busy mum makes her achievement even more impressive, and her commitment never wavers. I’m sure Tris Sensei shares in this enormous achievement as he has been there throughout Vikki’s rise through the ranks from the very beginning. He has helped to shape an excellent karateka.
Her hard work, determination and positive attitude make her an inspiration to those around her, and she thoroughly deserves to be recognised as a Shodan Black Belt. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to seeing her continue to grow on her karate journey. 🥋👏🏻
Becky Mangnall - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Becky Mangnall's black belt journey is a wonderful example of how karate can become a way of life. What started as watching Joshua from the sidelines has grown into a genuine passion, and now I bet it's hard to imagine life before karate. Training four, five and sometimes six times a week, Becky has become a true karate addict and a real club legend! Dave and Debbie Sensei and Rob Sensei have been her mentors from the very start and have done an amazing job guiding her to reach this level.
A perfectionist by nature, Becky leaves no stone unturned in her preparation, putting in the extra classes, additional training and one-to-one sessions to ensure she is always improving. Her strong performance at grading was the result of years of hard work, dedication and determination, and it was fantastic to see all that effort rewarded. Congratulations to Becky on becoming our second Mangnall Black Belt and a thoroughly deserving Shodan. 🥋👏🏻
Juhela Bibi - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Starting karate as an adult is never easy, especially when faced with injuries and ongoing health challenges. What began as a way of supporting her exceptionally talented daughter, Jannah, became a powerful test of Juhela Bibi's strength, determination and resilience.
Over the years, Juhela has overcome so much on her journey to black belt, and her performance on grading day reflected the focus and perseverance she has shown throughout. This Shodan has been earned through sheer hard work and an unwavering refusal to give up. We are delighted that she has finally proved to herself what we have always known, that she was capable of achieving this goal all along. A thoroughly deserved black belt and an achievement that should make her incredibly proud. 🥋👏🏻
Gail Thompson - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Gail is living proof to all of us that it is never too late to set yourself a goal and achieve something extraordinary. At 70 years young, Gail can still be found in the dojo three times a week, training for an hour at a time with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has inspired everyone around her. Read that again. 70! and in the dojo - 3 times a week. Some might think that’s crazy, but we know it's simply because she loves karate, she loves being part of our community and we all love her. What a character she is.
As the most senior person in age to achieve a black belt in our club, Gail's Shodan is a truly special achievement. She approached her grading in her own way, stayed calm, remembered everything she had worked so hard to learn, and delivered a performance she should be incredibly proud of. Gail has shown tremendous determination, resilience and heart throughout her journey, and we couldn't be happier for her.
She has proved to everyone, especially herself, that age is no barrier to success. We are immensely proud of this wonderful, inspirational lady and her thoroughly deserved Shodan Black Belt. 🥋👏🏻
Anjana Sameera Thantirige - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Anjana has settled into our Darwen and Blackburn classes as though he has been training with us his whole life. A naturally gifted martial artist with beautiful karate, he approached his Shodan grading with complete dedication, leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
Anjana attended extra training sessions, listened carefully to every piece of feedback and worked tirelessly to make improvements, and it showed on grading day. Scoring highly across all areas, he delivered an excellent performance that reflected both his talent and his work ethic. With immense potential and so much still to come, this black belt feels like the beginning of an exciting journey rather than the end of one. A thoroughly deserved achievement. Congratulations, Anjana. 🥋👏🏻
Martin Cook - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Martin achieved his Shodan with a strong and confident performance that showcased exactly why he has such an exciting future in karate. At 28 and in his prime, Martin brings great energy and enthusiasm to every class, and his passion for kumite is obvious for everyone to see.
His grading featured powerful combinations, tidy kata with excellent flow, and strong, confident kumite. Calm under pressure and always willing to step forward and test himself, Martin showed real courage and determination throughout. He is a great person to have in the dojo, always bringing positive energy and a smile, and while this black belt is a fantastic achievement, we know it is only the beginning. With continued hard work and refinement of his techniques, there is so much more to come from Martin. Congratulations on a thoroughly deserved Shodan. 🥋👏🏻
Peter McDermott - Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Peter McDermott brought valuable experience from his Kyokushin background when he joined the club, but what has impressed us most is how brilliantly he has adapted and embraced our family-oriented approach to karate. Despite leading a busy life, Peter has remained incredibly dedicated, and it has been wonderful to see the whole family sharing their karate journey together with such enthusiasm and success. They are in the dojo training together almost every day!
Peter performed extremely well at his grading, scoring highly and demonstrating the benefits of all the hard work he has put in. His kumite was particularly memorable, showing strength, determination and a willingness to keep stepping back up and trying new things every time he was called upon. It was an inspirational performance from a committed martial artist who thoroughly deserved his Shodan Black Belt. Congratulations, Pete, on a fantastic achievement. 🥋👏🏻
Benjamin McDermott - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Benjamin is a true kata prodigy and absolutely smashed his grading, earning some of the highest marks awarded on the day. His karate is exceptional and is the result of years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. He’s in the dojo almost every night, training hard and making the sacrifices. Through countless extra lessons, 1-to-1 training sessions, and meticulous attention to detail, Benjamin has developed into an outstanding karateka whose technical ability is second to none. What excites us even more than his current achievements is the incredible promise and potential he continues to show for the future. Despite his remarkable talent, Benjamin remains one of the most humble, respectful, and kind youngsters you could meet. In fact, he has very little idea just how good he really is, and somehow that only makes us admire him even more. It was heartwarming to see Ben achieve this alongside his Dad Pete, really special memories made. We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved and cannot wait to see what comes next on his karate journey. Shodan is just the very beginning 👏🥋
Glen Lumsden - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Glen has put in a tremendous amount of work preparing for this grading, making every effort to sharpen and tidy up all aspects of his karate. His strong kihon and much-improved kata were clear to see on the day, while his powerful style and fighting spirit really stood out. A fantastic member to have in the dojo, Glen is always encouraging and motivating those around him, especially his son Scout, and helps create the positive atmosphere that makes learning and improving more fun. He clearly loves his kumite and isn't afraid of a good scrap, sometimes perhaps a little too much, but that's all part of the fun for Glen! Got to stop blocking with your head, but I think you don’t mind taking the hits to dish some out! I have no doubt that out on the street, Glens karate would be very effective if he ever needed it to be. It was also fantastic to see both father and son achieve such a significant milestone together, creating a special memory that they will share forever. A thoroughly well-deserved Black Belt and an excellent grading. Keep training hard and, most importantly, keep enjoying your karate, fella! 👏🥋🔥
Scout Lumsden - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Scout's journey to Shodan has been a long one, with seven years of hard work, perseverance and dedication leading to this fantastic achievement. Balancing karate alongside football, he has developed into a strong, athletic young lad with bags of talent and enormous potential. Although he can sometimes be a little hard on himself and doesn't always see his own ability the way we do, his confidence is growing and he is beginning to realise just how good he can be. His grading was excellent, showing great focus, determination and technical ability throughout. More importantly, Scout is a genuinely lovely and polite young man who is a credit to himself and his family, always respectful, hardworking and never a spot of bother. Keep working hard, we hope that you continue to train and achieve more and more. We are incredibly proud of him and so happy that he was able to share this special achievement alongside his dad, Glen. Seeing father and son earn their black belts together is a rare and wonderful moment, creating memories they can both treasure. 👏🥋🔥
Abigail Andrews - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Abigail is a lovely, shy and polite young lady who has completely transformed her karate over the last six months. By believing in her abilities, focusing on her own progress and putting in a tremendous amount of hard work, she has taken her karate to a whole new level. Her grading was excellent from start to finish, with strong kihon, impressive kata and a brave, determined performance in kumite where she showed a good range of techniques along with effective blocking and counter-attacking skills. We were incredibly impressed with everything she did on the day and are absolutely delighted to see her achieve this well-deserved black belt. As well as being a talented karateka, Abigail is a fantastic Cadet Leader and a wonderfully kind, patient role model who sets a great example for everyone around her. Congratulations, Abigail, now it's time to relax, enjoy your training and continue your karate journey! 👏🥋🌟
Molly Whipp - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Molly is a strong and powerful young karateka with bags of potential. Despite the challenges that can come with the teenage years and growth spurts, she has remained patient, hardworking, and dedicated. As a cadet leader, she is kind, enthusiastic, helpful, and sets a fantastic example for others. She performed brilliantly at her grading, showing great improvements in her technique, focus, and kata, while demonstrating excellent control and maturity during kumite. Learning to balance power with precision is never easy, but she did so well and impressed throughout the grading. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach and watch develop, both as a karate student and as a young person. She should be incredibly proud of everything she has achieved. We are certainly proud of her. Well done Molly! 🎉👏 Keep working hard, keep believing in yourself, and keep shining both in and out of the dojo. You are a credit to your family, your club, and yourself. 🖤🥋
Caitlin Lowe - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Caitlin absolutely smashed her grading and continues to impress every time we see her. A dedicated and hardworking student, she has benefited from the excellent guidance of Dave and Debbie Sensei, who have helped her develop into the fantastic karateka she is today. Although naturally quite shy, Caitlin has bags of talent and scored consistently high marks in both the Kata and Kumite sections. Despite some nerves during the kumite section, she showed real determination, pushed through, and scored valuable points. She is a great model to all the other juniors to follow in her dojo and has patiently waited for this opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. We hope achieving her black belt helps Caitlin to build the confidence she should have, because we all know she is a cracking student with a very bright future indeed. She is a lovely young lady, a fantastic karateka, and this achievement is richly deserved. We are really proud of her.
Howard Smith - Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Howard delivered one of the standout performances of the entire grading, earning some of the highest marks awarded on the day by all three examiners. An exceptionally talented karateka with a huge future ahead of him, he combines natural ability with an incredible work ethic. Every time Howard's name appears on a grading list, you know he will be one of the hardest workers in the room and set the standard for those around him. He is all class and has exemplary manners both in and out of the dojo. He is an absolute credit to his family. Katie Sensei describes him as a real pleasure to teach, and it's easy to see why. His focus, dedication, and willingness to put in the hard work make him a truly exceptional karateka. Howards black belt is so richly deserved, but we are certain it is only the beginning. Remember his name, because Howard is an absolute future superstar, and we can't wait to see what comes next for him! 🖤🥋👏🌟
We look forward to seeing everyone back in the dojo soon and continuing the journey together. Oss! 🥋🐯
Anyone interested in ordering one of our Hirota Black Belts can do so by following this link:
The order will be going in on 30th October. If you want to order a colour that is not on the drop down menu, message the colour and number to info@redtigerkarateclub.co.uk.