Each year, the KUGB offers two free Special Dan Grade Courses for members with a 1st Dan and above. Today’s course took place in Barnsley.
Sensei Billy Higgins, Sensei Frank Brennan, and Sensei Jim Brennan, members of the KUGB’s Technical Committee, lead these courses, focusing on advanced Kata, Kihon, Kumite, and Bunkai. These sessions are designed to refine members’ skills to meet the KUGB’s high standards.
All black belts are encouraged to attend, not just those preparing for grading, to maintain the KUGB’s technical excellence.
After a two-hour class, there was a short break before grading began. During the grading, the Examiners evaluate Kata precision, attitude, discipline, technical proficiency, and other key elements to ensure high standards are maintained.
Congratulations to the successful candidates:
Rokudan
Martin Olver – Sendai Kushiro
Adam Purkiss – Stock
Godan
Mark Foster – Sei Do Kan
Andrew Mills – Zanshin NI
Peter O’Brien – USKFI
Jack Somers – Senshuken
Scott Watson – Sowerby Bridge
Yondan
Iain Baird – Largs
Joe Bennett – West Yorkshire Karate Academy
David Craggs – West Cheshire
Mark Gaffey – Newcastle Under Lyme
Sandan
Ethan Brown – Leeds Shotokan
Mal Garnett – Lancaster
