Chief Instructor and 7th degree black belt Nick King graded members of the Inverell-based Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Organisation as they strived to reach the next rank.

Macintyre High School’s hall was packed to the rafters as each martial artist was put through their paces and one step closer to a black belt.

The local club has branches in Delungra, Warialda, Bingara, Glen Innes, Guyra and Dorrigo and has been in operation for over two decades.

Six students began a new journey after being graded to provisional black belt.

Michael, Frank, Geoff and Scarlet Mcosker as well as James Dwyer and Rodney Williamson had a day to remember; all attaining their black belts.

Nick praised branch instructors Charlie Baker and Nigel King for the high standard shown through the day. 

He also acknowledged the club’s many black belt instructors, including Peter Caddey and Peter Fox, who are both 5th degree black belts. 

Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts is run by local brothers Nick and Chris King. Nick is a full time martial arts instructor while Chris has a career in the Department of Education.

A current and three times world champion, Nick said the club is now gearing up to send a strong team to compete at the Queensland Championships in a few weeks time.