Dereham Shotokan Karate Club gathered for the assessment of two very dedicated students. The Traditional Shotokan Karate Ryu (TSKR) is run by Terry Wittkopp 4th Degree Black Belt who is now into his 20th year in Martial Arts.

Dereham Shotokan Karate Club gathered for the assessment of two very dedicated students.

The Traditional Shotokan Karate Ryu (TSKR) is run by Terry Wittkopp 4th Degree Black Belt who is now into his 20th year in Martial Arts.

Gaynor Wagg recieved her Black Belt 1st Degree after many years of training.

Gaynor started Karate 1997 at Litcham High School and Swaffham Karate club. Gaynor, 17, is the first female to gain Black Belt at the Club.

Darren Webster recieved his 2nd Degree Black Belt. He started training in 1995 and gained his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1999. He is now an assistant instructor to Wittkopp having recieved full training and CRB clearance.

Both students have been training at least three to four times a week in order to reach the required level. The grading was held at Dereham Leisure Centre sports hall. The students were put through a physical and mental test which included forms sparring self-defence and an oral examination where they were asked questions about their knowledge of karate and had their characters assessed.

The students were joined by members from Norwich Club who also graded alongside them, Simon West 1st Degree and Ali Laraki 2nd Degree.

The Examination Panel consisted of Wittkopp and Ivor Garner 5th Degree Black Belt. Both are senior international instructors with NAKMAS the National Association for Karate & Martial Arts Schools.

Gradings were also held on the day for the coloured belts (kyu) grades with a 100 per cent pass rate.

Both examiners were impressed by the standard and are very proud of the students that took part.

TSKR are running classes in Dereham and Norwich. With New Clubs opened in Fakenham, Swaffham and Watton and Fakenham, it is a good time to start the beginners class as the next grading will be in March in Dereham.

The nights are still dark and Wittkopp will hold special self defence courses for groups in the area. These are not a physical workout but are to raise awareness in self defence and practical tips are given on how to keep safe.

Give TSKR a call on 01362 652855 or veiw the website www.tskr.co.uk