At a special course at the University of Bath on Saturday, five members of the Bath Karate club took, and passed, their Black belt grading to become the club’s newest First Dans.  At the same grading Nigel Davies was awarded his Second Dan. The successful candidates are pictured above (Front row, left to right, Jozefa Glapiak, Nigel Davies, Gosia Glapiak, Back row, Tom Wilson (a ‘guest’ student from Mushin Karate club), Jake Bradley-Smith and James Langley).

The pass rate for First Dan is usually about 1 in very three candidates, which is why the rank of Black belt in karate has such a well-deserved mystique. It takes years of dedication to perfect the techniques, timing and precision necessary to achieve this rank. However, the most difficult challenge is not physical – it is to attain the correct state of mind. For the past few months, the instructors at the Bath club have been polishing the already honed skills of these six, along with the other members of the club. All six produced outstanding performances on the day and thoroughly deserve the recognition they have received.

The club trains at the Bath Sports and Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday, from 7:30 until 9:30 and caters for men and women of all ages; the youngest member is 9 years old, while the oldest is in his 70s – and still going strong. Beginners are always welcome, as are students from other styles and associations – details can be found on the website.

We are at a time in the year when people are winding down, thinking of holidays, and schools are breaking up for the summer. Well, Bath Karate is gearing up for a busy July. Firstly, next Thursday, we are again delighted to be welcoming guest instructors, JJ Bruce and Holly Stirling to our club night. JJ and Holly instructed in the club last year and it was a fantastic evening. On Saturday 11th July there is an all grades and kata squad session with Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan, to be held in the Central Region. Even if you are not a member of the squad, the all grades session is worth attending, especially if you are aiming to take a dan grading in Bath on July 18th. On July 18th Sensei Andy Sherry, 9th Dan, Chief Instructor of the KUGB and Sensei Billy Higgins, 8th Dan will be instructing at a free black and brown belt course (and grading) at the University of Bath. Having these two senseis on our doorstep does not happen often – please make every effort to come and train with our chief instructor. On the following day, the club is hosting training and a kyu grading with Sensei Bob Poynton, 8th Dan. Sensei Poynton is our club grading instructor, and it is important to have a good turn out to train with Sensei and to support the club. All details are on the events page and you can find out more from the instructors on Mondays or Thursdays.