Summer Course Grading Results: 14/6/2026

Celebrating Excellence – Dan Grading Success in Bolton on Sunday 14th June

The Red Tiger Karate Club is immensely proud to congratulate all students and instructors who successfully graded on Sunday 14th June in Bolton. It was a truly special occasion, marking the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and passion for karate.

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of:

6 new Shodans (1st Dan Black Belts)

2 new Nidans (2nd Dan)

4 new Sandans (3rd Dan)

3 new Yondans (4th Dan)

Each and every one of these accomplishments represents a unique journey—one filled with challenges, sacrifices, and personal growth.

Gratitude and Support

A heartfelt thank you goes to every student and Instructor who attended the Summer Course beforehand and stayed on to support those attempting their gradings. Your encouragement, presence, and spirit embody what Red Tiger Karate Club stands for: a strong, united community where we uplift one another and celebrate every success together. We would also like to extend our thanks to the parents and family members who gave up their entire Sunday to support their loved ones. Without your love and support, this would not have been possible.

We always extend our gratitude to the parents who have supported those taking gradings—not just on the day, but for years. From dropping off and picking up after long days at work, to covering costs, to encouraging training when motivation was low—you have played a huge part in this journey. They simply could not do it without you. So if you haven’t already, take a moment to say a big thank you to your mum, dad, or partner. Nobody ever achieved something like this sitting at home on their PlayStation/X-Box/Gaming PC etc.

The Meaning of Black Belt

Grading to black belt is such an extraordinary achievement. For most, it represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream—the moment they first stepped onto the dojo floor now realised through years of perseverance. It’s a milestone that deserves immense recognition.

Yet, for those advancing beyond Shodan to Nidan, Sandan, and Yondan, the achievement is even more profound. These individuals have gone beyond the initial goal and embraced karate as a lifelong pursuit.

Remember, your karate journey does not end after a Dan grading or achieving your next belt. It does not change who you are—it only changes how others see you. Becoming a black belt carries great responsibility. You become the standard others strive to reach. It is important to keep your standards high and to continue pushing yourself.

Enjoy your achievement, but carry it with the honour it deserves. Be a black belt in every area of your life. Stay humble, always, and remain respectful of others.

Many of our successful Sandan candidates started karate in childhood and have continued to prioritise their training through all of life’s changes—entering adulthood, building careers, entering relationships, and facing responsibilities. Despite this, they have remained committed, consistently making space for karate in their lives. This is a testament to their discipline, character, support system and genuine love for the art and our Club.

Our Yondans – Leading the Way

Our newly graded Yondans stand as an inspiration to us all. They have embraced karate not simply as a practice, but as a way of life.

Guided by the core principles of karate, they continue to grow, learn, and inspire others. While many who once graded to black belt alongside them may have stepped away over the years, their passion has endured. Their journey has become deeply woven into who they are, influencing everything they do.

Their commitment, enjoyment, and continued evolution within karate make them truly special individuals within our club. They lead by example and remind us all of what is possible through dedication and love for the journey.

Individual Recognitions

Caroline Paxton - Shodan

What a proud and rewarding moment for Caroline as she has now successfully completed her Shodan and earned her Black Belt. Having passed the Kihon and Kata components late last year, she has since shown exceptional dedication to refining her kumite and bringing it up to the required standard.

Caroline committed herself fully to the process, attending additional training sessions with Callum Sensei and embracing every piece of feedback with determination and focus. Her hard work was evident on grading day, demonstrating strength, composure, and resilience. She executed a range of techniques with confidence and control and has made great improvement.

Congratulations, Caroline—this is a truly well-deserved achievement. You can now take a moment to relax and celebrate your success.

Adam E - Shodan

Well done to Adam, who has shown great promise and enthusiasm from the moment he started. He dedicates himself to karate and trains incredibly hard at every session—often sporting a red face even before we’ve finished the warm-up!

At his last grading, he struggled with his kumite and was understandably disappointed not to pass that section, despite a strong performance in both kata and kihon. Since then, however, he has shown remarkable maturity and resilience. He didn’t let disappointment hold him back and has now reached his goal.

We are so pleased for this wonderful young man, who is an absolute credit to his parents and to the Senseis who teach him.

Harry T - Shodan

Wow—what can we say about this pocket rocket? Only fantastic things! Harry was outstanding in his grading: sharp, focused, and full of confidence throughout. The examiners awarded him excellent scores across the board, and he truly earned every one of them.

Despite being the youngest and smallest in the group, his presence was huge. His sparring was exceptional—brave, skilful, controlled, and powerful. Those mawashi geri were lightning fast; he was like a firework in action!

What a student, and what a performance. We hope he continues to bring the same enthusiasm to his karate and keeps going from strength to strength. He’s incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful Sensei, along with equally supportive parents and big brother behind him.

Keep up the fantastic work—we look forward to seeing him again for Nidan and beyond!

Derek Quinn - Shodan

Another outstanding performance from Derek, who has consistently impressed us at every grading to date. He remains calm under pressure, naturally talented, and exceptionally focused.

What continues to stand out is the strength and power he generates across all areas—whether kata, kihon, or kumite. His energy levels never seem to drop, and he delivers powerful performances throughout. He was particularly dominant in the kihon section, working at such a high level that even the younger students struggled to keep up and were reminded to match his effort.

His katas were clearly well practised, performed with confidence and strong power. In the kumite section, Derek truly looked at home—showing sharp combinations, excellent counter-attacks, and great composure. Even when caught, he maintained the same focus and intensity without hesitation. There is clearly not an ounce of quit in him.

We look forward to seeing Derek again as he prepares for his Nidan. Very well done.

Charlie P - Shodan

Well done, Charlie—an absolutely brilliant grading from an incredibly hardworking and dedicated young talent. Charlie trains two to three times a week, every week, and you can truly see how his time and effort have paid off.

All three examiners awarded him excellent marks, and he proved beyond doubt that he is a Black Belt. His karate is outstanding.

Charlie is such a quiet and polite young man with an incredibly bright future, both in and out of the dojo. He takes on corrections immediately and applies them exactly as asked, making him an absolute pleasure to teach and work with.

I’m sure he has made John Sensei, his sister, and his parents immensely proud—and we know this is just the beginning for this exciting young karateka.

Connor Beckwith - Shodan

Such an incredibly special day for the whole Beckwith family! Connor Sensei now makes Team Beckwith a trio of Black Belts, after training on and off for so many years. He began karate when he was young, and although his enormous talent and acting ability sadly took him in another direction for a while, everything changed during Covid when his passion for karate thankfully returned.

And what a journey it’s been since then! He has absolutely smashed it—training and grading consistently, learning how officiate, becoming an Assistant Instructor, then a Sensei, and now achieving his Black Belt. Connor Sensei is immensely talented and such a popular young man, loved by the Instructor team and his students.

We are all so proud of you, especially your mum, dad, and your lovely fiancée. You performed brilliantly throughout the grading—every bit of your hard work truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more pleased for you fella. Nidan next Master Beckwith.

Linda Whipp - Nidan

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more pleased—or more relieved—to have passed their grading than Linda Sensei. It was as if a physical weight had been lifted, and it was truly wonderful to witness.

After a torrid six months of working on her kumite(the least enjoyable part of karate for her), Linda Sensei found the energy and courage to showcase her techniques and successfully complete her Nidan. It has been both a mental and physical battle to get to this point. Through injury and self-doubt, she has come out the other side, giving us all a powerful lesson in determination and resilience. A great model to all who have suffered a setback but refuse to give up. It’s only over when you quit and there is certainly no quit in Linda Sensei.

She remained fully focused on completing this grading and finishing what she started. Her Nidan is thoroughly deserved, and I hope that now she can finally relax and recuperate.

Danny Chaffer - Nidan

We are so pleased for Danny, whose infectious enthusiasm for karate makes him such a positive presence in our dojos. He has now completed his grading in two parts, passing the combinations and kata late last year, and successfully passing the kumite section this time.

Never before have we seen someone who didn’t quite fully pass their grading respond with such respect and dignity. The smile he always wears never left his face. Danny managed to find the positive in the situation and got straight back to work.

Quite honestly, if everyone took this approach to their karate, gradings would be far more pleasant—especially the ones where we have to deliver disappointing results.

Danny returned straight to the dojo, worked hard on his kumite, took extra lessons, put in the effort, and got the job done. He has learned not to panic; this time he was far more calm and controlled. He demonstrated a great range of techniques, countered effectively, and showed excellent movement.

We are so pleased for you, Danny, and proud to have you and your wonderful family as Black Belts in our club. Keep doing what you do—you are an inspiration.

Alex Moriarty - Sandan

We have known Alex for well over half of her life, since the days she first joined us back when she was in High School and absolutely madly passionate about karate. She trained every single day, and she trained incredibly hard. We knew she was something special and boy has she proved us right over the years.

Now, many years on, that passion hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s only grown stronger. Alex is still dedicated, still driven, and still putting in the same relentless effort.

It has been a real privilege to watch her grow into the wonderful person she is today, with truly exceptional karate. She has done it all — events, gradings, student of the year, teaching, tournaments, officiating, seminars, even training in Japan — and throughout it all, she has always represented our club at the very highest level. We are constantly proud of both the standard she has achieved and the strength and power she brings to her karate.

This grading, however, was different from the last. Previously, the pressure she places on herself as a perfectionist got the better of her, leaving her with self-doubt and needing to present her kumite a second time.

But this time, everything had changed. She stepped in with confidence, knowing the work had been done. There was no fear — only composure. She looked happier, more relaxed, and completely self-assured. There was never any doubt she would pass.

She was exceptional. Without question, one of the best Nidan to Sandan gradings we have ever seen. It was like night and day compared to her previous grading. Even when she was caught during kumite, there was no panic — just focus, determination, and a clear response as she pushed forward to land the next one and that’s what it’s all about. Passion, pride, resilience. We saw it. We see it every time you train.

We are incredibly happy for you, Alex, and always proud that you wear our badge.

Well done — and keep up the outstanding work.

Courteney Alty - Sandan

Courteney Alty has been training with us since she was just 8 years old—a little Year 4 at Peel Brow in an after‑school club that has produced two or three excellent Black Belts. But Courteney has been the best and gone the furthest, of course (and we knew you would!)!

So dedicated, and such a happy, positive person, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching you grow into an amazing young woman with an incredibly bright future ahead.

Senseis are truly lucky. Most teachers have students for a year, high school teachers perhaps five—but when someone is as extraordinarily dedicated as Courteney, we’ve literally been through it all together. (Although it took me about the first ten years to spell her name correctly!)

We’ve watched you grow up and begin your career. You are incredibly blessed with supportive and loving parents who have enabled you to continue training and achieve what almost seems impossible.

Courteney is exceptionally hard-working and has an outstanding level of fitness. She trains constantly and has developed into a powerful karateka between Nidan and Sandan. The technique has always been there—now she’s added real power, and there’s no stopping her.

Courteney’s katas were outstanding, earning exceptional marks from both Senseis. She was brave and sharp in kumite; what she gave away in size and weight, she more than made up for with speed and determination. Her combinations were excellent, and she was lightning fast on the counter.

We are immensely proud of you and your journey, Courteney. We hope you continue to train, improve, and achieve even more—you certainly have the talent and a real love for karate. Keep up the amazing work.

Liam Dolan - Sandan

All of our new Sandans began their karate journey in childhood, and Liam is no different. He has been the driving force behind inspiring the entire Dolan family to achieve Black Belt status, with an incredible 3 out of 4 now reaching Sandan. What an amazing achievement—Team Dolan are a hugely respected and loved family in our Club. We are immensely proud that you train here and have inspired and continue to inspire so many others along the way.

Liam has had an eventful yet highly successful karate journey. There have undoubtedly been moments along the way when he may not have believed in himself as much as he should, but we have always seen something truly special in him. He has had to fight for everything he has achieved—this week being no exception—and he fully deserves every bit of his success.

Liam has completed thousands of hours of training. Between 2nd Dan and 3rd Dan, he accumulated an extraordinary number of lessons and earned his place at the grading through sheer determination. He is fit, strong, and powerful—everything we expect from a Sandan.

What stood out most was the maturity he displayed on the day. At the highest level of Karate, it is not just about physical ability—we must also see growth in mindset, character, and discipline. The development Liam has shown in these areas over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.

He is a credit to his parents, his instructors, and everyone who has supported him along the way.

Liam’s performance at the grading was excellent. He has worked incredibly hard to refine his katas, and they were outstanding. Kumite is where he truly excels—he fought with great determination, demonstrated excellent control, and delivered some superb kicking techniques against every opponent.

An exceptional grading from an extraordinary young man. We are incredibly proud to call you one of our Sandans, Liam.

Phil Burton - Sandan

Phil also started his karate journey with twin brother Greg in an Afterschool Club in Bury. Mum Bernie Sensei joined up shortly after and all three now are Sandans. What an extraordinary achievement from another one of our much loved families. He’s now 24! An incredibly long time to be training and dedicating yourself to one sport. His love for karate has endured through it all.

Phil is so shy, I think I can count on my fingers how many times I have heard him speak. He lets his karate do that talking, and his karate is magnificent. He is so fit and strong, it is virtually impossible to tire him out. Phil’s karate is exceptional and he is one of the best Black Belts in the entire Club.

He has spent over 7 years on his Nidan so was more than ready to attempt his Sandan. We were really looking forward to watching him because we knew he would perform with class and maturity—and he delivered what we expected and more. It used to be that Greg was the kumite man and Phil the kata man, but Phil was outstanding in the kumite section too. He has made incredible progress in this area and really impressed everyone.

We do hope you continue to train with the same tenacity as you always have, because there is more to come from you. You should be incredibly proud of yourself—and you’ve also made your brother and your mum enormously proud, which makes this achievement even more special. Well done, Phil.

Teresa Withington - Yondan

Teresa Sensei is one of our longest-serving students and one of our most respected instructors. She has trained for more than 16 years within our club, following several years of training in her younger days at a previous club. A lifelong karateka, she is always the picture of grace—her karate is, and always has been, truly beautiful.

On grading day, she delivered the polished performance we all expected. She had been preparing herself for many months, leaving nothing to chance. Special thanks must go to her excellent training partner, Helen Finney Sensei, who has devoted countless hours to helping Teresa prepare—and who, I hear, has the patience of a saint!

Since grading to Sandan in 2020, injuries have challenged Teresa Sensei, but she has persevered. She has continued to train, to give, and to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to karate. Like all senior karateka, she has experienced both the highs and lows, and has come through stronger on the other side.

I am so pleased she chose to attempt her Yondan grading, as I knew there would be no one more prepared. She approached this grading with the seriousness it deserves, preparing herself for every eventuality. Her jiyu ippon was excellent, and her kata displayed a beautiful flow and the quality expected of such an experienced karateka.

Teresa Sensei is also a wonderful instructor who is deeply loved. Over the years, she has taught thousands of students, leading many to Black Belt and beyond and helped develop some truly outstanding instructors. She consistently gives back to karate and is always on hand to offer advice or support whenever it is needed. She truly is a diamond and we are so lucky that she continues to share her wealth of experience and train with us.

Teresa began her journey alongside her family, becoming part of the first family of four in RTK to all achieve their black belts! Teresa Sensei becomes only the third female in our Club to reach Yondan, what an honour it is to share this grade with you and share every step of your journey. You have no idea what an inspirational person you are to us all, keep being you. Congratulations.

Gary Pratley - Yondan

When you look up dedication in the dictionary, there should be a lovely picture of Gary Pratley Sensei’s face — he truly epitomises it.

Gary Sensei is in the dojo almost every night of the week, never missing the beloved Saturday morning class, and he’s always there for weekend events too. You will not find a more supportive instructor or father. Everything he does is for the betterment of his karate, our club, and his son, Jaime.

He has travelled internationally so Jaime can compete and has gone up and down the country to train. Nobody works harder, and nobody gives more. He is the most selfless person I know, and we are so thankful for everything he does.

He is incredibly humble — I think it even took him by surprise when Paul Sensei asked him to take his Yondan. He has never believed in himself the way we believe in him. He has no idea just how powerful his karate is, how much we value him, or the depth of knowledge he has gained over the last 15 years. Nothing is too much trouble for Gary Sensei and he is always a gentleman.

Both Gary and Jaime are so highly respected in this club, and it is only right that he is now a Yondan — one of the highest grades ever awarded here. He earned the right to take it, and he proved it on the day with his powerful kata and strong kumite. He has the respect of everyone.

He is a complete inspiration to us all. I hope that in the future I can still move the way Gary Sensei does, and punch and kick as strongly as he does! He used his experience to land some fantastic techniques, he is incredibly fit, and he never quits. We could have made him spar 50 rounds and he would have simply said “Oss” and carried on!

Gary Sensei is also an outstanding instructor, having produced some remarkable Black Belts over the years.

We must also mention Marie, who has supported Gary Sensei and Jaime Sensei every step of the way over the past 15 years. I’m sure there have been many times when you would rather have had them at home, but we are so grateful that you share them with us.

Keep being you, Gary Sensei - we just need to get you to Japan now!

This is karate!

Lee Edwards - Yondan

Lee Sensei is another instructor who immediately comes to mind when we talk about commitment and dedication. He is in the dojo almost every night—teaching, training, and giving back to karate. He’s been training with us for over 15 years, and the time has truly flown by.

He supports everything the club does—training weekends, seminars, courses, Japan trips, and every Zoom class we ever put on. You name it, Lee Sensei is there. At every event, he’s quietly working hard and encouraging others. He’s a constant presence we can always rely on—from helping set up tournaments to putting away all the sweaty mats after senior class.

His hard work does not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate everything he does. In the dojo, he is serious, trains incredibly hard, and shows the utmost respect. But outside the dojo, he’s absolutely hilarious!

Lee Sensei has joined us for training in Japan twice and is an absolute gentleman. Our kids love him, and he performed brilliantly during the Japanese training. For him, karate is not just a sport or a hobby—it’s a way of life. He has such a calm, grounded energy—I’m convinced it all comes from his training! As my kids say, “Man’s got aura.” Apparently - that’s a good thing.

His karate on grading day was incredible. His katas had a beautiful flow—the kind of quality that can’t be taught, only developed through years of dedication and hard work. He showed a strong understanding of distance in kumite and was lightning quick on the counter.

Lee Sensei keeps himself in excellent shape and could have gone many more rounds if we’d asked. All those Timperley Senior classes followed by curry club and Tottington Friday fight nights have definitely paid off—and he’s the only person I know who actually asks to do the dreaded dive bombs and can still do them after 10 pints!

He is an inspiration to us all, a fantastic role model to his students, and we are incredibly proud to have him as one of our 4th Dans. He has truly earned it.

This is karate.

Well done, our lovely friend, you're not too bad for a Liverpool fan!

Once again, congratulations to everyone who graded. Your hard work, resilience, and spirit make us all incredibly proud. We look forward to continuing this journey together—growing stronger, both in and out of the dojo.

Finally, if any of the embarrassing Mums and Dads have got any pictures of when these youngsters started, please send them through to info@redtigerkarateclub.co.uk and I’ll add them to this gallery!

Osu!

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