A LOCAL woman has achieved an adult karate black belt having first started the sport as a young child. Amy Adair achieved her black belt at the recent Mizukara Summer Karate Camp, held in Carnalea Methodist Centre. The belt was awarded to Amy by Sensei Ian Cuthbert, Karate England head coach, and local coach, Sensei David Brashaw.
Sensei Cuthbert was guest instructor at the camp and was accompanied by multiple world kumite champion, Sensei Shauna Carroll. Both coaches were greatly impressed by Amy during her grading, part of which included a couple of fights with Sensei Shauna. Sensei Brashaw commented: “We are delighted for Amy. She has been training and coaching with us for many years.
This has not only been about developing Amy through belts, but she has also represented both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at World and European Championships and brought home medals on a number of occasions. “Achieving a black belt is all about long-term commitment and pushing yourself during challenging times. Amy has achieved this,” he said.
Amy was helped over recent months by her training partner, Anna McCormick, who also did an excellent grading and was awarded 2nd kyu brown belt. After three days of thoroughly enjoyable karate fitness, kata and fighting training Sensei Cuthbert hosted a Qi Gong seminar and introduced healing sounds to the participants.
The other successful belts attained at the camp by students from around Ards and North Down were: n Red belt – Noah Parker, Eli Cave, Tyler McBride, Heidi Magreehan, Cooper McEvilly and Catherine Pringle n Yellow belt with a white stripe – Kyle Hanna. n Yellow belt – Helena Stitt, Angela McEvilly, Graham Cave, Aimee McMaster, Kath Stevenson and Sam McMaster. n Orange belt – Caitlin Waugh, Sophie Hamilton, Caleb Pritchard, Lewis Ferguson, Olivia De La Hoz and Rachel Brogan. n Orange belt with a green stripe – Siya Mogoboya. n Green belt – Dylan McBride, Harrison Stitt and Joshua Irvine. n Blue belt – Ben Ritchie, Logan Morrow and Ethan McConnell.
Coach Brashaw added: “Our students are now looking forward to a few competitions in the autumn so training for them will be stepped up.” For more details about how beginners can try-out, please contact the club through the Mizukara facebook page. Mizukara Karate Clubs are supporters of ‘inclusive play’, ‘fairness’ and ‘playing the longgame’.
Anyone who wishes to find out more about Karate, relaxing Tai Chi for adults, Fitness Training and SelfDefence classes please contact David on 07760 337578 or check out our website www.mizukara.co.uk
