Ipswich Higashi Shotokan students make the grade

The youngsters from Ipswich Higashi Shotokan Karate Club took part in a grading, in Chelmsford.

A total of 30 students and instructors travelled down to Essex and everyone was treated to two training sessions under the guidance of Sensei Andy Sherry, followed by the grading of 86 students, 20 of which were from Ipswich Higashi SKC, all of whom came away with their next belt.

The Ipswich students that were successful in Chelmsford come from several schools in Ipswich, including Chantry, Sproughton and Ipswich Academy.

Meanwhile, the club recently held a special training course, pictured above, to raise money for its chosen charity, Cancer Research UK – the course being open to members of the Karate Union of Great Britain.

There were several counties represented by about 90 students from beginners to 5th dan black belts, all enjoying four hours of training, over two sessions, taken by the KUGB’s chief instuctor Sensei Andy Sherry, 8th Dan and senior instructor Sensei Frank Brennan, 7th Dan.

Emily Ford from Cancer Research UK then attended a club night to recieve a cheque for �539.10 from the members of Ipswich Higashi SKC.

Chelmsford grading: 9th kyu – Orange belt Matthew Gillespie, Hayley Louise Dixon, Harry Matthews, Emily Relton, Cheyenne Boltitude, Bethany McCauley (temp), Finley Curtis (temp), Caitlin Hardy (temp): 8th Kyu – Red Belt, Tyler Cullen, Alan Harding, Steven Curtis (temp), Marcus Curtis (temp), Louis Curtis (temp), James Norman (temp): 7th kyu – Yellow belt, Hannah Moore: 6th Kyu – Green Belt, William Sharpe, Shannon Hardman (temp): 5th kyu –Purple belt, Reece Hunt, Andrew Howes, Reece Dixon (temp)