The Shushokan Shito-ryu Karate Organisation recently held it's National Grading in Hereford.

Six members of Monmouth's SSKO Shukokai Karate Club made the journey to Hereford with one goal in mind, to achieve the much coveted "Black Belt'. They were Robert Thomas, Joshua Williams, Kieran Isaacs, Andrew Davies, Ange Williams, Maddie Winder, Francesca Peters and Stephen Ellicott.

The Monmouth Leisure Centre based Club, meets every Thursday evening, all eight Black Belt candidates have trained weekly under the instruction of Senior Club Instructor Sensei Paul Jones, who started the Club in 2003.

The Grading itself involved attending a two hour training Course, followed by a three hour examination, containing elements of Karate the students have studied over the last five years, this included Basics, Kata, Sparring and Padwork.

Following the Grading the results were announced and Monmouth SSKO Shukokai Karate Club had six new Black Belts, awarded the grade of 'Shodan-Ho', while Stephen Ellicott and Francesca Peters were awared "Shodan'.

They each received their new Black Belt and a framed Certificate.

Sensei Paul was absolutely delighted with the success and commented "It's fantastic to see people so committed and focused in their training achieve their dream of wearing a Black Belt, it is a huge achievement, and I am very proud of the students".

Paul went on to say 'We have a great team at the Monmouth Club, but a special thank you must go to Sensei Richard Hunt, who was Assistant Instructor at the Club from 2003 until April this year, Richard has now moved on to open his own School in Cwmbran. All of us at Monmouth thank him and wish him well in his new venture'.

Beginners of all ages are welcome at our Karate Club.

If you are interested in joining call Sensei Paul for further information.