A big congratulations to Nikon Rasumov, who passed his Shodan grading today at the KUGB course in Egham. Nikon has shown great dedication to karate and to be one of only a handful of attendees to pass is testament to his hard work, determination and commitment to training. This has been a long time coming, and is well deserved.

Reports from both the 2012 Varsity Match and Central Regions Championships are now on the competitions pages. The new, updated training schedule is also now available. Please note free training on Sundays is only available from 5-6pm and not 5-7pm as has previously been the case.

On Sunday, Cambridge University Karate Club members once again tore apart OUKC at this year's varsity match held in Oxford. Despite their best efforts, the Dark Blues were no match for the squad and Cambridge dominated every aspect of the competition to come out on top for the sixth successive victory. Congratulations to the captains Emma and Matt, and to the team for showing Oxford what the Light Blues are made of. A full report on the day's events will follow soon.

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Alvaro Angeriz. Alvaro had been a valued member of CUKC for many years and will be greatly missed both for his enthusiasm towards karate and his commitment to life in general, which continues to inspire all who knew him. Members and friends alike will remember his earnestness and and lively attitude. For his exceptional dedication to the spirit of karate, the KUGB committee have awarded an honorary Dan grade to Alvaro.

Congratulations is due to Francesca Perselli and Ahmed Al-Shabab, who passed their Shodan grading with Sensei Andy Sherry, 8th Dan, and Sensei Frank Brennan, 7th Dan, in Abingdon on December 3rd. Both members have shown fantastic commitment to the club and this achievement is well deserved.