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Local Karate Grading Success
| Published: 25th November 2009 10:26 |
A sea of white cotton suits filled the hall. Tidy, young people with keen, clean faces, groomed hair and a determined air about them, ranged from young adults to children as young as 6. This wasn't a private Japanese school in the suburbs of Tokyo but St James Community Centre on a Saturday afternoon filled with youngsters and parents from our area. The white suited students were here for the final hurdle in their grading process. To reach their goal they would have to convince the panel of judges that they were worthy of a higher belt.
Preparing for grading
These students are all regular attendees at Kesshin Karate run by Sensei Paul Odams. Students are only invited to a grading if it is thought they are prepared enough, however, there is still a sense of tension to get things right on the day.
Preparation for grading begins a minimum of three months in advance. Throughout their attendance to training (some train three times a week) students work on 3 main aspects:
- their technique in kicking, punching, counter movements,
- on their fitness levels
- and they study Kata- which is the mastering of a sequence of movements which test ones strength, agility and co-ordination.
What Keeps them coming?
Last April, I had the privelige of speaking to some of those attending, here are some of their comments.
The students are at various stages of their training. 
Jade, 10 and Amy, 8(pictured ) started their training at school two years ago. Their mother explained that she felt it important that her daughters should be able to protect themselves. The classes that Paul runs are age appropriate and he endeavours to make them relevant to situations that the youngsters may face in their everyday lives.
Whilst the children are learning to protect themselves they are also meeting other people. Megan, 8(pictured ) comes along with her sister Shannon, 13. Megan enjoys seeing her friends at the class and Shannon finds that it helps improve her fitness and strength in all the other activities she is involved in at school.
At 1.30pm a new group of twelve begin their grading. Six year old Naiya is one of them. Naiya (pictured ) enjoys dancing- both ballet and bollywood - her parents see karate as another set of skills worth acquiring to help her face the world.
Whilst fitness and self defence are very important goals within the Karate sessions it is very clear that there are other benefits to be had. Meeting 8 year old Ryan (pictured left)after his grading was a real pleasure and insight. He stood with immense pride holding his certificate .He was proud that he had earned his certificate through hard work and dedication. Being given tangible rewards for your effort is going to fill you with confidence and this was abundantly apparent with Ryan.
More information about the karate club
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