On the 11th November Amy Marsh travelled to Byakko Shotokan Association in Yorkshire to participate in a two day karate course and to grade for her 1st Dan Black Belt.

The panel included Sensei John Gardiner who holds numerous national and international titles representing England at an elite level, Sensei Ady Gray who has coached England elite kata squad, and internationally respected Sensei Dave Hazard (7th Dan) founder of the international Academy of Shotokan Karate the purpose of which was to promote excellence. This was an expectionally knowledgeable panel who have been a major influence in the world of karate for many years.

Amy's hard work, training and listening to her teacher paid off and she was delighted to have passed to become a Shodan (1st Dan black belt) on the Saturday. Unfortunately, not everyone passed on the day as the standards were very high. Amy was straight back to training on the Sunday for the last day of the course, only this time wearing her new belt for the first time! Sensei Dave Hazard awarded Amy her Shodan reminding her that with a black belt comes great responsibility and this is the start of the journey and not the end.

Huge congratulations to Amy – we are very proud of you!