PRESS RELEASE: Mondy 25 th April 2005

Next Grade for Local Girls

Local Karate students Gemma Atkin and Emma Bingham have taken the the next step in their study of Shukokai Karate at Hereford’s Central Dojo.

The two girls were examined for the 2 nd level of black belt, called “nidan”, with the World Samurai Karate Chief Instructor, Shihan Paul Mitchell. Shihan Mitchell resides in Melbourne, Australia, but holds seminars in the UK twice a year. He is a 7 th Dan Black Belt and the only westerner to be awared the rank of Master by Shukokai founder Chojiro Tani.

Gemma, 18, and Emma, 17, have both studied Karate from an early age, and over recent years have represented Samurai UK at International Championships in Japan, Australia, France, England and Germany. Achieving unparalleled success in both disciplines of Kata and Kumite (fighting), the girls have amassed over twenty Gold Medals between them.

The grading though, has posed different questions to competition, with the girls being required to demonstrate a full range of their Karate skills over a gruelling 3 hour period. Testing mind and body, a black belt grading is a unique experience, really understood and appreciated only by those who have gone through it.

The girls now join club mate Esmie Smith as one of only five Central Dojo females to achieve 2nd Dan.

Well done to Emma and Gemma from Sensei Tom, all the staff and students at Central Dojo.