Hot on the heels of their recent grading success, students at Grantham Shotokan Karate Club were at it again last weekend – this time with two reasons to celebrate.
The club, which trains at Allington and Bottesford Village Halls, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It first opened its doors in November 2002, and having started with present club chief instructor Geoff Dixon and just two students.
Since then, the club has blossomed, now boasting more than 75 members who train across four sessions per week. It has hosted a number of internationally renowned instructors, won medals at local, regional and national competitions, as well as raising more than £5,000 for local and international charities, last year helping to buy two homes in India in conjunction with Rotary International.
Geoff said: “The club prides itself on teaching good quality, traditional Shotokan Karate in a safe, fun and family-friendly environment. Our students range in age from seven years to 74 years old and span a huge range of abilities.”
Geoff himself was the cause of the second round of celebrations after he passed his 5th Dan black belt grading at an examination held by the British Karate Association in Manchester, presided over by a panel of senior instructors headed by Sensei Brian Seabright (7th Dan and BKA chairman).
Geoff was congratulated by Sensei Seabright on his knowledge of Shotokan Karate and other martial arts, his energy and enthusiasm, and the high level of skill demonstrated.
Geoff originally started training in Wado Ryu Karate in the late 1970s but transferred to Shotokan in 1985. As well as being a grading examiner, he holds a national judging qualification with the English Karate Federation and gained black belt in Aikido in 1997. His wife Elizabeth and 14-year-old daughter, Jennifer, are both also black belts, with son Edward, 11, due to take his black belt next summer.
Fore more details about the club, contact Elizabeth on 07546 203682 or e-mail grantham.karate@btinternet.com
PHOTO: Geoff Dixon receiving his 5th Dan certificate from Sensei Brian Seabright.