Over 50 students from the Budo Martial Arts Centre in Kilkenny graded successfully at a recent event in the Watershed Sports Complex.
The day began with club chief instructor Kevin Shortall conducting a one and a half hour training session, which focused on how to execute proper technique. There was also a big emphasis on Kata (pre-arranged movements ). Sensei Shortall also went through the material that would be examined in the upcoming grading tests.
After the training session, members of the clubs, as well as their parents and friends who had gathered to watch, were treated to a fascinating display hosted by the black-belt members of the club. The display, which lasted just over nine minutes, included basic techniques, kata, weapons kata plus self-defence against multiple opponents armed and unarmed.
The display team included Sensei's Kevin Shortall, Tom Walsh, Mick Forde, Thomas Walsh, Dave Treacy and Billy Clowry. A recording of the display is available on the clubs website: www.budomartialartscentre.com
Those that successfully passed their gradings on the day included:
Tenth Kyu: Simon Klina, Jacob Smolen, Sarah Manuel, William Morrissey, Natalia Smolen, Hannah Yousof, Kate Lebedova, Matthew O'Neil, Hussain Yousof, Michal Frupski, Ronan McMorrow, Sascha Rearden, Sean McGlone, Aaron O’ Brien, Darragh McMorrow, Denis Rearden, James Quigley, Ben Forsey, Evan Kelly, Tom Gorey, Darragh Kennedy, Padraig Minogue.
Ninth Kyu: Matthew McCarthy, Dean Reddy, Matthew Kane, Hannah Kane, Ellie Kane, Karina Sharkey O'Leary, Justin Sharkey O'Leary, Sophie Hughes.
Eighth Kyu: Joe Breen, Ellie Phelan, Anna Phelan, Diane O'Reilly, Roisin Welland.
Seventh Kyu: Pearse Phelan, Cara McCrory, Roisin Brophy, Marian Reade, Yanal Phelan.
Sixth Kyu: Zuhair Phelan.
FIfth Kyu: Jason Butler, Tom McDonald.
Fourth Kyu: Darren Bambrick, Robert Butler, Thomas Lennon, Jake Nolan, Maggee Weland.
Third Kyu: Jonathon McGrrath, John Hunt.
Second Kyu: Eoin Lynch, Adrienne King.
For more information or enquiries about Budo Martial Arts Centre, telephone 086-3668669.
