2009 Zen Do Kai SA Black Belt of the Year Awarded to Bordertown Club Member

At the State Grading held in Adelaide on 28th November 2009, two members of the Bordertown adult class, Tyson Brown and Scott Box, successfully obtained their black belts. In one of the largest groups to grade in recent years and partnered by Robyn Miles and Daryl Nicholls, both students performed well in a long and gruelling test of both their skill and endurance. State trophies were awarded after the grading, with Tyson Brown receiving the coveted Black Belt of the Year, a reflection of his dedication to martial arts training over many years.

Junior class member Tilley Wigney received the 2009 Tournament Trophy for her age division, which she earned by being placed first in each of the three tournaments held during the year.

Senior Class Trophies, donated by Tatiara Freight, were awarded after the final class for the year on 7th December, at a supper held at the Chinese Restaurant. Recipients were; Peter Jolly, Hardest Trained, Paul Excel, Most Improved.

Sempai Robert Mock then addressed the group and announced that after ten years of dedicated training, his other commitments didn’t allow him to

continue to train regularly. As one of the club stalwarts, he will be missed.

At the Bordertown Junior Club Grading held on 9th December, ten students graded through to their next belt level. Shodan Ho Tyson Brown chanted this grading, assisted by Sensei’s Ann-Elisa Pickering and Robyn Miles. Keely Abbot moved from Junior Shodan Ho rank to Junior Shodan, (First Degree Black Belt) and Emily Beck and Lucy Creaser moved from Brown to Black Belt showing great focus. Charlie Watts, Joe Watts, Paris Pickering and Jake Turnbull achieved their Blue Belts in a very strong display. Anna Crafter also graded very well and moved from Yellow to Orange Belt. Two of the youngest students, Ruby Glancy and Thomas Bryant coped well and received their Yellow Belts. Junior class members who were not grading themselves, helped with all other tasks admirably.

After the grading Junior Class presentations were made to: Keely Abbot and Emily Beck, Hardest Trained, Joe Watts and Natasha Horne, Instructor’s Awards, Aaron Beck, Paris Pickering, Patricia Garcia and Connor Evans, Attendance Merit awards. Trophies were generously donated by Bordertown Hardware, who support the Karate Club throughout the year.

The whole Junior class and their families then enjoyed pizza and drinks outside before breaking for the holidays.

Editor

Borderonline