Dan Gradings in Midlands Martial Arts Centre

On 3rd December, Shihan Brett Halliday tested Renshukan instructors Sensei Gerard McCarthy, Alberto Candeias (Irish Shotokan Academy) and Proinsias Ó Fearghail (Zanshin Karate-Do)  as they attempted to reach their next level in Shotokan Karate. After a grading which ran from 2.00 PM to 4.30 PM, Shihan Brett awarded Shodan to Sensei Alberto, Nidan to Sensei Proinsias and Sandan to Sensei Gerry. He was joined on the grading panel by Senseis Liam Darcy, Gerard Walsh and Keith Walsh of Zanshin Karate-Do and by Sensei Liam Gorman of the Irish Shotokan Academy. The grading comprised assessment in fitness, kihon (basics) Kata, Kata Bunkai (applications), self-defence techniques and Kumite (sparring). Many thanks to Shihan Brett for his useful and constructive advice after the grading, and to Sensei Darren Hand who acted as uke for Sensei Gerry. The training continues as we try to improve! Here is a photo of the happy and relieved candidates with the grading panel.