Nick King, 7th dan black belt and chief instructor of the Inverell-based Jin Ryu Kan martial arts organisation, graded three young men to black belt and eight club black belts to a higher rank last weekend.
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King has been a professional marital arts instructor for nearly 20 years, and former Australian, Oceanic, Asian Pacific and World Champion. Being chief examiner, he put everyone through their paces through the internationally-recognised curriculum.
With over 40 years of martial arts training experience between them, Peter Caddey and Peter Fox were both passed to 5th dan black belt.
“Both passed all their requirements to be graded to 5th degree black belt,” King said. “They have extensive experience in many tournaments in Australia and overseas, as well as attending international workshops and supporting the Australian Koshiki Karate Team.
“They have both been loyal to me personally, and Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Organisation throughout this time.”
Former Glen Innes shearer Dave Campbell was promoted to 3rd dan black belt. The former Australian and international competitor now runs a branch of the club at Dorrigo.“The Russian team always had great respect for the hard-hitting Dave Campbell,” King said.
Bingara school teacher Dave Brennan was promoted to 2nd dan belt. Dave has been an excellent assistant instructor and karate competitor.
Martial artist of the year, Nick McInerney, was also graded to 2nd degree black belt. The international competitor has made a name for himself on the world circuit with his recent fourth placing in the world super challenge held in Tokyo earlier this year.
Elsie Baker, Pat Onslow and Sam Dillon all passed their 1st dan belt requirements. All three are seasoned competitors. Sam has represented Australia in Tokyo as a junior competitor, and has been earmarked as a future champion.
Holly Sutton recently injured her hand, but still turned up very determined and gritty performance to attain her junior instructor level.
After over three years of training, brothers Ryan and Hunter McDonald and William Darby were put through their paces during the grading examination, All three were successful and attained their junior black belt grading.
“Thank you to the club black belts who came to support this grading,” King said.
