Friday 16th February 2024 saw the first Karate Kyu and Mon grading of the year for our Bristol karate students.
Sensei Dave Griffiths 7th Dan led the pre-grading karate class to a packed hall of 39 karate students of mixed ages and experience.
Following the warm-up and some paired stretching, the class began with Kihon (basic techniques) focusing predominantly on Kiba Dachi (horse straddle stance).
The middle part of the class saw the kyu students practice their relevant skills required for grading in the kumite section - white, red and orange belts practising Gohon Kumite (5-step sparring) and yellow belt and above practising Ippon Kumite (1-step sparring). Whilst Sensei Nick Bruce-Jones supervised the lower grades, the black-belts went through some sparring techniques with Sensei Griffiths.
The final part of the class concluding with each coloured belt students running through their Kata required for their grade.
After the hour and a half long class a short interval was provided for rehydration and respite.
The grading commenced with the assessment of our two mon-grades - a grade aimed at our younger students to provide them with some feedback and recognition of their improvement before they are ready to attempt the higher Kyu grading.
Kyu grades then went through their assessment in grade order - lowest grade to highest grade. Finishing with 3 students attempting their brown belt.
Success all round for 2 Mon grades and 29 Kyu grade candidates.
Our next grading is on 23rd June, so 4 months of preparation and hard work ahead.
