Grading Results Lent Term 2022



16th March saw grading take place; after a long term of hard work and massive improvement from all members, 7 members of CUKC were assessed under the watchful eye of Sensei Richard.

After the pre-grading class, our red belts (Natsumi, Gabe and Laura), took centre stage for their grading. In kihon, Natsumi shone with her kokutsu datchi, and Laura's yoko geris showed visible distinction between kiyagi and kikomi. Meanwhile Gabe's strength and speed bought an incredible energy to the grading. All three red belts translated their kihon well against an opponent in 5-step kumite as well as into kata. Unsurprisingly, our three red belts were made yellow belts (7th kyu)!

The white belts were then up: Ece and Skye after two terms with CUKC and Zoe after one. All three performed to a high standard. Zoe's incredible kiais backed up her strong techniques, and Skye impressed with her stances, while Ece's control over her techniques lent itself to her beautiful forms. Step kumite saw none of our three white belts lose focus or technique, and their impeccable kihon shone through in their kata. All three double graded to 8th kyu (red belt)!

To round off the gradings, Tim was up for his green belt. He showed focus and displayed strong techniques, being especially strong on his empi strikes. His Heian sandan demonstrated control over his strikes and showed intention behind them, while quick reactions in his one-step kumite showed a good translation of his kihon against an opponent. Congratulations for grading to 6th kyu (green belt)!!



Pictured below are the newly-grades and Sensei Richard:

Top row (left to right):
Tim Chisholm
Laura Banhidi
Richard Poole (coach)
Skye Purchase

Bottom row (left to right):
Gabriel Dawes
Ece Washbrook
Natsumi Taniuchi
Zoe Samama