Karate
THE Bridgetown Shorikan ShitoRyu Karate Club has a new black belt. Ben Evans, from Bridgetown, survived a tough grading recently to become the newest black belt in the club.
John Tonai-Moore, who has taught Ben since he joined the club, said it was particularly satisfying having Ben pass his first dan grading, because Ben started training when he was seven years old.
“Many children start training in martial arts with the dream of getting their black belt but Ben proved his commitment and dedication to the art by persevering with his training,” Mr Tonai-Moore said.
"Ben’s nervousness as he demonstrated basic techniques, defence against knife attacks, one step sparing, staff kata (attacks and defences against imagined opponents) and empty hand kata as well as power techniques against strike shields and free sparring did not prevent him from achieving his goal of black belt."
Chief instructor of Shorikan ShitoRyu, Paul Jones, carried out the grading. Mr Jones was particularly impressed that Ben was able to achieve the rank of senior 1st dan black belt at the relatively young age of 16.
"Usually anyone younger than 18 is given a junior ranking," Mr Tonai-Moore said. "But Ben was able to demonstrate not only the skill needed to achieve the senior ranking but also the power of an adult.
"The hardest part of a black belt grading is always the free sparring at the end of the grading, after the participant is already tired from demonstrating his abilities. Ben was able to hold his own sparring against two 2nd dan black belts to prove that he was ready for the senior ranking."
At the end of the grading Ben said he was relieved it was over but was looking forward to continuing his training.
“Black belt is not an end, it is a new beginning,” he said.
