The Inverell based Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Academy held its last regional grading for the year over the weekend, at Nick King’s Lifestyle Centre and Macintyre High School.
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Over 130 martial artists were elevated to their next rank, including Tully Arnold, Eddy Baker, Ryan Goater and Daniel Carbone, who all achieved their black belt.
“It was unreal. We had so many families in there, grading, participating in it from all over the whole New England area,” chief instructor seventh dan Nick King said.
“The youngest one at the grading was five-years-old and the oldest one was 65.”
King was thrilled to see his students succeed.
“It was so good to see all their smiling faces at the end of the day,” he said.
Also taking centre stage were current black belts, who attained their next degree stripes.
“The Friday night dan grading was quite an intense grading, and some of our senior black belts got promoted to the next level, which was a huge thing,” King said.
Grading to first degree black belt were Mia Szumowski, James Dwyer, Darrin Pamplin and Holly Sutton.
Graded to second degree black belt were Nigel King, Pat Onslow, Jed Leggett, Nick Crisp and Matt Leggett.
King was head examiner along with Peter Caddey and Peter Fox, both fifth dan. Charlie Baker (third dan) and Nigel King (second dan), both branch instructors, were praised for their hard work throughout the year.
Besides Inverell, the Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Academy has branches in Delungra, Warialda, Bingara, Glen Innes, Guyra and Dorrigo.
