Warriors keen to make grade
THE first session of this year’s biannual Shukokai Karate Union’s back belt grading was held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and the event attracted students from all over the country.
Rochdale Warriors had one instructor and three students attempting their black belt promotions.
The grading panel consisted of three senior independent SKU officers, Stan Knighton 9th Dan (SKU chief instructor), Dave Bowler 7th Dan and John Scott 7th Dan.
Taking their grade from Warriors was Sensei Tony Winkley, who was attempting his black belt 4th Dan, Melissa Butterworth, aged 12, who was going for her Black belt 1st Dan, Jennifer Forbes, aged 14 years and Matt Crawshaw who were both attempting their black belt 2nd Dan.
Warriors chief instructor Sensei Damien McLaughlin 8th Dan, said: “All four passed with flying colours. Well done to all! Melissa scored the highest marks of the day, making her the best student taking the grading that day.”
Anyone interested in taking up the sport of Karate can visit the club’s website, www.rochdalewarriors.co.uk or contact Damien (instructor) on 07504 858963 or just go along to have a chat or train.
The club trains twice a week, Tuesdays (8-9.30pm) and Saturdays (12-1.30pm). The club is on Trafalgar Street, Rochdale, OL16 2DR and has a Facebook page.