South Tyneside karate students secure black belt grades in Switzerland
Three South Tyneside karate students have achieved the prestigious black belt grade during a trip to Switzerland.
South Tyneside karate students are celebrating achieving prestigious black belt status.
Members of Yamaguchi Goju Kai Karate from South Tyneside and Gateshead have recently returned from an intensive training week in Switzerland.
During their time there, three members of the South Tyneside dojo successfully completed with black belt grading.
The group of adult and junior students trained alongside karate practitioners from across Europe under the guidance of the organisation’s Grandmaster, together with some of the most senior Shihans in European Goju Kai Karate.
‘We’re extremely proud’
South Tyneside instructor Mark Purcell Shihan successfully graded to 6th Dan, while Graeme Thornton Sensei and Blane Stamps Sensei both successfully achieved their 3rd Dan.
All three were graded under the organisation’s Grandmaster and European Head Hanshi, alongside a panel of leading European Shihans.
Achieving the grades at this level represents years of dedicated training, with those undertaking grading expected to show a high level of technical ability, understanding, discipline, character and commitment to the traditions of Goju Kai Karate.
Speaking after returning from Switzerland, Mark said the trip had been a fantastic experience for everyone involved and expressed his pride in those who represented the dojos in Europe.
He commented: “Taking a group of adults and children from our South Tyneside and Gateshead dojos to Switzerland was something very special.
“Training for four hours every day under our Grandmaster and some of the most senior Shihans in Europe was an incredible opportunity for all of us.
“To then finish the week with Graeme and Blane achieving their 3rd Dans and myself achieving 6th Dan made it even more memorable.
“We’re extremely proud of everyone who travelled, trained and represented our dojos.”
Searching for new members
Yamaguchi Goju Kai Karate welcomes both children and adult members who are complete beginners or have previous martial arts experience.
The dojo is always searching for new members, with classes held at Perth Green, on Inverness Road, in Jarrow on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Additional classes take place at the Boldon Community Association, on New Road, in Boldon Colliery every Wednesday.
Anyone who is interested in taking part can find out more by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/p/South-Tyneside-Yamaguchi-Goju-Kai-Karate-100054288589454.