On Saturday the 7th of August, St Joseph’s School on the North Shore hosted a grading for Kensinshekan Karate-do where Zara M Rm 8 and Juliette M Rm 6, Alex H Rm 9 and Zach H Rm 6 were graded.

 I, Zara, was graded into brown belt, 3rd kyu, which is two grades away from black belt! I had to do five hours of karate, demonstrating my skills and watching others showcase what they have learned. We have been practising these routines over the last term. I had to do three solo demonstrations in front of everyone that was at the grading that day.

One of them was a bo kata, which is the big wooden stick routine. The second kata was called bassai dai which involves striking, and the third kata was called heian godan, which focuses on footwork. 

All four Stanley Bay students who graded on Saturday passed their exam and progressed to their next stage! 

Now Devonport can rest easy in case of criminals, as we have four new superheroes who can save the day with their self defence skills!

Written By, Zara M!