Isle of Man karate club celebrates grading success

Members of the Isle of Man Shotokan Karate Club have enjoyed a successful period of grading, with students and senior instructors achieving promotions at events both locally and in the UK.

The first successes came during a Kyu and Dan grades course hosted by the club in September when renowned 8th Dan examiner Sensei Frank Brennan visited the island.

The intensive sessions saw students of all levels put their training into practice under the guidance of Sensei Brennan, with Chris Luecke (5th Dan) acting as referee for the Kumite (sparring).

The junior and intermediate grades demonstrated their progress through a series of technical exercises, traditional stances and kata performances, with their preparation and commitment rewarded with a number of successful gradings.

At advanced level, Astrid Dugdale attempted her 2nd Dan (Nidan) grading. Although she was awarded a deferred pass after a minor issue with one element of her kata, her overall performance was praised and she will have the opportunity to complete the remaining requirement in a resit.

Among the successful Kyu grade candidates, Edison Crimp and Kittie Kilgallon achieved 9th Kyu, while Connor Bryan was awarded 8th Kyu.

Chloey Daniel, Eben Kilgallon, Ciara Kilgallon, Mason Campbell-Salthouse, Summer Holmes and Thomas Butler all gained 7th Kyu.

Arron Daniel, Lilley Daniel, Will Heap and Aalish Kilgallon were promoted to 6th Kyu, while Alayna Clucas, Lian Villacillo and Emily James achieved 5th Kyu. Anke Van Den Berg was awarded 1st Kyu.

There were also four successful candidates at Shodan (1st Dan), namely Nick Quayle, Richard Butler, Andrew Edmond and Aaron James, while David Kilgallon achieved Nidan (2nd Dan).

The club's instructors, Senseis John Kennish, John Houghton, Andrew Barnett, Tom Clucas, Peter Hudson and Paul Taylor, praised the candidates for their hard work and commitment.

Further success followed in October when senior instructor Andrew Barnett travelled to Reading to undertake his 5th Dan examination at the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) special Dan grade course.

Held at Rivermead Leisure Centre on October 10, the bi-annual event brought together senior black belts from across the country for two hours of intensive training under three highly respected instructors – Senseis Frank Brennan, Jim Brennan and Billy Higgins, all 8th Dan.

The demanding session covered Kihon (basics), advanced kata and Kumite, requiring participants to demonstrate technical precision, speed, power and stamina.

Barnett subsequently passed the rigorous 5th Dan (Godan) examination at the first attempt, marking a significant milestone in his karate career.

Reflecting on the experience, he said: ‘Training under Senseis Frank Brennan, Jim Brennan and Billy Higgins is always an incredible privilege, but it is really physically and mentally gruelling.

‘Every single technique is analysed under intense scrutiny. They demand absolute focus, speed, power and maximum spirit throughout.’

Barnett, who has trained with the Isle of Man club for many years under chief instructor Sensei John Kennish (6th Dan), paid tribute to his mentor for his guidance, support and encouragement throughout his journey.

He now hopes to help develop the next generation of karateka while maintaining the standards and traditions of Shotokan karate.

The club, which is affiliated to the KUGB, has training sessions in both Douglas and Ramsey and welcomes newcomers of all ages and abilities: Ramsey Elim Community Church on Tuesdays 6-7pm and Fridays 6-7pm; Douglas - Glencrutchery Special School on Mondays between 6.30-8pm and Thursdays 6.45-8.15pm.