Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Academy held its first regional grading for the year at Macintyre High School.
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Chief instructor Nick King said around 100 academy members from the Inverell, Delungra, Bingara, Warialda, Glen Innes and Guyra were promoted to their next rank.
As a seventh degree black belt, King was the head examiner on the day.
Packing out the school hall, each student was appropriately graded after being identified by their instructors and selected due to strong commitment and training.
"After three years experience, Inverell's Luke Berry went for his black belt and passed everything for that so he had a pretty gruelling day.
"He had to do self defence demonstrations, fighting matches, board breaking, he wore Koshiki.
"He would have been going for about five ours all up amongst the whole day," King said.
The youngest student graded on the day was around six, and the oldest in his 60s. King was proud of everyone passing and showcasing their developing skills.
Although the grading differed for kids and adults, King said each student had to perform on the day.
"Generally speaking they're all doing well. It is a testament to our instructors in the organisation, proving they are teaching all the right things," he said.
Branch instructors Charlie Baker, of Delungra, and Nigel King, of Glen Innes, were both praised for the high standard.
King said with grading out of the way, the next stage of training would commence as the Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Academy prepare to compete in Brisbane.
Held in Brisbane during the first weekend of June, the city competition will test local fighters.
"A seminar will be held on the Saturday and on Sunday fighters will compete.
"The seminar will be conducted by Masa Mitsu Kudaka, he's direct samurai blood from Japan and next in line on the throne for the organisation internationally," King explained.
Jin Ryu Kan Martial Arts Academy is internationally recognised and was established in Inverell in 1995.
"Masa Mitsu is bringing over 10 Japanese fighters to compete in the Brisbane competition.
"Lots of students from this area will compete against the Japanese team so everyone is really excited for that," he said.