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

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