Dan Grade Certificate Presentations For December 2022 Gradings

Certificate presentation at Bournville college

During the course of January we were able to present those who passed their black belt gradings in December their framed certificates and Nakmas qualified black belt register official registration cards plus a few students who were unable to pick up their Kyu grading certificates on the day. Congratulations again to Natalia Bak 2nd Dan, Martha Newman 1st Dan and Phoebe Hadley 1st Dan.

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Kyu and Dan Gradings: June 2022

June 2022 Gradings

After the bumper turnout for the March gradings the June 2022 gradings were split over two weekends at our Bournville College dojo. This allowed the gradings to proceed at a far less hectic pace than the previous gradings which was far less stressful for those grading and the examiners. The first gradings were held on Saturday 11th June for beginners to red belts. The gradings went well with our students having diligently studied for the gradings over the previous months showing a good standard throughout.

The second weekend of gradings were on Saturday 18th June 2022 and covered the remaining Kyu grades and Dan gradings.… Read the rest

Sensei Susan Hession promoted to 5th Dan!

Sensei Hession in kamae

We are extremely pleased to announce that Sensei Susan Hession, Chief Instructor of Birmingham & Weoley Castle Shotokan Karate club has been promoted by the NAKMAS National Management Committee on the 8th May 2022 to the rank of Godan (5th Dan) following a formal audit by a certified BSI Lead Auditor and the completion of training course requirements.

Sensei Hession works tirelessly both in and outside the dojo to ensure the club runs smoothly and all students get the training and equipment they need. Most students will be unaware of just how much time she dedicates to the club or those extra little touches she adds such as framing all dan grade certificates that help make BWCSK what it is.… Read the rest

Kyu & Dan Gradings: March 2022

Kyu & Dan Gradings: March 2022

We held our first post covid restrictions Kyu and Dan gradings this month which is the start of a more normal grading cycle going forward. The grading day itself was on Saturday 19th March 2022 at the Longbridge dojo . In a return to the more normal schedule we were able to have a training session running along with the gradings. However, even we were slightly surprised when we saw everyone lined up from one end of the hall to the other.

The proceedings started with the presentation of Dan grade certificates for those who passed in the December grading.… Read the rest

September Dan Grade Certificate Presentations

September Dan Grade Certificate Presentations

Well with the pandemic and summer holidays it took a while to be able to organise these presentations but we were finally able to get almost everybody together between two days who took their Dan gradings in June to present them with their certificates.

Congratulations to Jacob McBride 2nd Dan, Angela Notice 2nd Dan, Jiannan Yin 2nd Dan, James Newman 1st Dan and Lincoln Boult 1st Dan, As special recognition of the unique achievement of Lincoln to become our youngest black belt which he has achieved through continued diligent training he was also presented with a boxed embroidered black belt bearing his name.… Read the rest

December 2019 Kyu Gradings and End of Year Awards

December 2019 Kyu Gradings and End of Year Awards

Well done to everyone who graded tonight, it ended up being a long grading evening but you all approached it brilliantly giving your best efforts when called upon and showed great spirit. A special mention for Amy who did an unprecedented triple grading to yellow belt and Madgdi, Dylan and Seth who double graded. None of them knew they were potentially going to do multiple gradings today but as always we take note on class and see how people do when pushed beyond what is expected and if we are very impressed we may call people up to attempt an extra grade after the one they were expecting to do.

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Dan Grade Certificate Presentation for the June 2019 Gradings

Dan Grade Certificate Presentation for the June 2019 Gradings

On Saturday 10th August 2019, the last session before the summer recess we held the certificate presentation for those who passed their dan gradings  in June. Angela Notice , who passed her Shodan examination, Hanna B. who passed her Sandan examination and Sensei Jeffett Jenkins of Walk Right Karate Kai who passed her Sandan received their NAKMAS certificates and cards. Angela Notice received a special presentation of one of the late Shihan Cummins’ trophies presented by Sensei Dorien Cummins having originally trained with Shihan Cummins for a number of years in the past before  returning to training and finally achieving her black belt.… Read the rest

Kyu Gradings and End of Year Awards December 2018

Kyu Gradings and End of Year Awards December 2018

We had the final kyu gradings of the year at the Longbridge dojo on Wednesday 19th December 2018. These were conducted by Sensei Sue Hession and attended by Sensei Dorien Cummins with Sensei Richard Amuzu joining whilst recovering from an eye operation and a special appearance by Sensei Austin Birks 5th dan, who came from a chemotherapy session to be there.

We were all very pleased with the high standard shown by all who graded and by those doing a pre-dan grading check in preparation for taking their black belts grading at the next dan gradings.

After the gradings it was time for the End Of Year Awards with this years Student of the Year going to Lincoln Boult.… Read the rest

Black Belt Certificate Presentation and Awards Ceremony October 2018

Black Belt Certificate Presentation and Awards Ceremony October 2018

On the 17th October 2018 the ceremony for the formal award and presentation in recognition of the students Dan grade achievements was held at the Longbridge dojo. The grading was held at the dojo on Wednesday September 13th 2018.

The ceremony was attended by sensei Susan Hession (4th Dan), sensei Dorien Cummins , Carol Richards, Faye Tonkinson (2nd Dan) and Richard Amuzu (4th Dan).

The ceremony is a moment to recognise the progression of the students which included one student Bethany Bird achieving Nidan plus three other students in attendance achieving Shodan.

Students were also awarded special mementos from the late Shihan Cyril Cummins collection to acknowledge their outstanding contributions to the club presented by Sensei Dorien Cummins, a former BHSKC instructor & club secretary and widow of the late Shihan Cyril Cummins 8th Dan.… Read the rest

Student of the Year 2017

Special congratulations to our Student of the Year, Elijah Farrell-Reid who’s name has been added to the shield for him to keep for the year.

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