On the 24th of March, Alfa SKC members took part in a joint grading with East London SKC .The examiner on the day was 5th Dan Sensei Angelo Sanna. One hour of training led by the examiner, gave everyone a chance to practice their basics and katas before they undergo their grading. The importance of good stance and basic techniques was emphasised, an essential skill that all the students must have in order to receive their next belt. The grading began with the white belts, and gradually went up though all the colours to brown. The grading consisted of Basics, Kata and Kumite, each varied from beginner to advanced, depending on the Kyu. When the grading was over, everyone from Alfa SKC had passed with no temporaries and were happy to receive their new belts. Congratulations to all! Well done!!!

Congratulations are due to Amanda Gustyte and Airika Gustyte who passed their 1st Dan Shodan  gradings on Sunday 19th February at the Bath Leisure Centre.The day consisted of a gruelling three hour training session, which took students through all the requirements of the grading syllabus and pushed for the highest standard as a last chance to train before the grading. After a short break the grading began, led by Sensei Y.Ohta. Starting from the 1st Kyu children up to adults, and 1st Dans. The atmosphere was tense and nerves were taking over many of those taking part. Tough combinations of basics had to be performed to the highest standard, Kumite rounds had to show perfect skill and fighting spirit, and complicated Kata’s must have been performed with no mistakes,with fluent movement and power. 
Many of those taking part on the day came with the intention to receive their black belt, a life time goal for many karatekas, although some were not so lucky. Over half of the students failed , although everyone had tried their best. Both, Amanda and Airika showed excellent attitude and focus, as well as spirit and power. All the years of training had paid off and they were awarded their 1st Dan Black Belts. Congratulations to both girls, and hope this inspires other students at Alfa SKC to keep pushing and training to their best ability, to achieve their ultimate passion and goals.

Over all, all members of Alfa had an exciting day and performed extremely well. Many thanks to everyone who took part and supported us on the day. We are looking forward to the National Championships next July.