Both junior and senior class gradings were held on Monday 8th December 2008, in the Bordertown High School Hall.

The junior grading began at 5pm with senior and junior class members assisting and instructors Sensei Ann-Elisa Pickering and Dai Sempai Robyn Miles running the grading. Successfully grading through from Shodan Ho to Shodan were Harry Miles and Isabella Pickering. Moving from brown to black were Keely Abbot, Connor Evans and Kelly Hill. Attaining their brown belts were Alena Box, Bella and Hettie Day and Laura Hill. Kurt Bosco, Joel Morris and Jack Melville graded from yellow to orange, while Charlie and Jo Watts, Ryan Boyd and Natasha Horne moved from white to yellow in their first grading. All junior students are to be commended for their focus and discipline during the grading.

The senior grading then took place, with good displays of skill, strength and focus. Tyson Brown and Peter Jolly attained their brown belts and Alex Tomko worked hard to obtain his green belt. Both Tyson and Alex were awarded black tips on their belts in recognition of the high standard of their grading.

Supper and senior class presentations followed at the Bordertown Chinese restaurant. Trophies were donated by Tatiara Freight and the winners were; Alex Tomko, Hardest Trained, Peter Jolly, Most Improved and Tyson Brown, Instructors Award. Dai Sempai Robyn was awarded the title of Sensei by Shihan Terry Hutchings. Tyson's efforts were also recognised by Shihan Terry with a presentation book. Shihan also gave gifts to Instructors Sensei Ann-Elisa, Sensei Robyn and Sempai Robert Mock. Alex Tomko and Tahnee Virgin received a small present for their efforts helping with the junior class.

Junior trophies were awarded after class on the 10th December, followed by a bbq. Trophies for 2008 were sponsored by Bordergym and presented to - Patricia Garcia and Kurt Bosco, Instructor's Award and Laura Hill – Most Improved

On the 13th December at the State gradings in Adelaide, Sensei Ann-Elisa graded successfully from Sandan Ho to Sandan, assisted by Sensei Robyn, Tyson Brown and Isabella Pickering. Ashley Nitschke earned his full Shodan, then Peter and Matthew Gaden achieved their black belts, assisted by Scott Box and Tyson Brown.

Congratulations to all.

 

Sensei Robyn Miles