Gradings
held during 2006

• January grading
• March grading
• December grading

January Grading

Well done to all students who attended the grading on 29 January 2006. A special mention for Mick Murphy for acheiving the rank of Nidan. Dominic Watzdorf for acheiving full Shodan (from junior Shodan) and all the younger students who were fantastic in lasting for over 2 hours while the higher grades where put through their paces.

List of gradees

• Kyu kyu - 9th
  • Chris Morecroft, Chelsea Ellis, Myles McGough, Rhianna McGough, Connor Jones, Jack Wolverson, Peter Wolverson
• Hak kyu - 8th
  • Alex Lazar, Greg Marzec, Arndrae Luks
• Nanakyu - 7th
  • Nathan Dunn, Eden Murphy, Hannah Tippett, Brandon Weber, Sophie Jackson, Andy Hayman, Nathan Dekoning, Jordon Collette
• Rok kyu - 6th
  • Alex Edwards, Brooke Smith, Jeremy McFeat, Lachlan McFeat, Joel Fortier
• Gokyu
  • Jack Murphy, Thomas Hayman, Simon Hurley, Josh Dunn, Matthew Jackson, Manuela Watzdorf, Caroline Watzdorf, Sarah Watzdorf
• Shodan
  • Dominic Watzdorf
• Nidan
  • Mick Murphy

March Grading

Well done to all students who successfully completed their gradings during March 2006. These grading have been conducted over several classes in both the West Beach and Belair dojos

List of gradees

• Hak kyu - 8th
  • Mariah Krimizi
  • Hamish Anderson
  • Nicholas Patterson
  • Olivia Roberts
  • Georgia Brazenall
  • Daria Byrt
  • Victor Gebarski
• Nanakyu - 7th
  • Greg Marzec
  • Alex Lazar




December Grading

Well done to all students who successfully completed their grading in December 2006. Thank to the helpers on the day with a special thanks to Shodans Dominic and Natasha

List of gradees

• Kyu kyu - 9th
  • Alyssa Krimizi
• Nanakyu - 7th
  • Ashlee Bennett
  • Taylah Bennett
• Rok kyu - 6th
  • Nicholas Patterson
  • James Raymond
  • Mitchell Hodson
  • Hamish Anderson
  • Olivia Roberts
• Gokyu - 5th
  • Victor Gebarski
  • Mariah Krimizi
  • Greg Marzec
  • Georgia Brazenall



True Qualities of Martial Arts on show at gradings



Many of the qualities of true martial arts training were on show at recent gradings for Chikara Budo Club students. A pleasing number of students stepped up to the mark at end-of-year gradings in December when several were awarded new belts. Commitment, self-discipline and recognition of the importance of striving for ever higher standards were all in evidence as 12 Club members were put through their paces on a very warm Sunday morning at the Belair Recreation Centre.

Monday and Wednesday classes combined in a skilful display across the range of karate movements that included demonstrating improved ability in basic techniques, blocks, kata and sparring. Adding to the excitement of the morning, a large number of supportive parents watched their children with a combination of pride and joy as all age groups competed for one of the coveted gradings.

Led by Senseis Tracy and Damien the group of young hopefuls were made to focus closely on what was being demanded of them. "Chikara Budo students are gaining an understanding that gradings are very important and that standards need to be met, particularly for senior grades such as blue belt and above," Sensei Tracy said afterward.

Frowns and grimaces of concentration were etched on students' faces as they were systematically split into belt levels for final assessments in the all important katas that would determine their place in the final rankings. Under the ever watchful eyes of their instructors, they performed with the requisite skill and temperament that determines whether a student moves up into the next grade. Sensei Tracy commented that the students' display of skills was "impressive". "The students are coming to appreciate the value of self-improvement, and this comes out of commitment to the sport, hence their skill level was quite impressive on this occasion," Tracy said.

Gradings are a significant component of training at Chikara Budo. Both Sensei Tracy and Sensei Damien ensure that higher gradings are only awarded to those who can demonstrate the required levels of discipline, accomplishment, and temperament relative to their age group. But their insistence on achieving success through increasing levels of personal effort is always tempered by plenty of encouragement. No-one is made to feel bad if they have genuinely tried their best. This is an integral part of training with the Club and one of the reasons it continues to be so successful.

Entering State and national competitions is also actively encouraged and supported by the Club. Greg Marzec currently on his blue belt, recently competed in the national championships and won a trophy for third place in points sparring against competitors with greater experience. Other Club members too have successfully competed in State titles. "We make a point of celebrating the successes of our students who achieve results both within Chikara Budo and externally," Sensei Tracy said. "For example, in addition to official grading, we also offer students the opportunity to strive for Club awards in the form of medals and trophies for self-improvement, dedication and attitude toward the sport, the Club and their fellow members."

"And not only do those of our students who take on the additional hard work required to ready themselves for external competition find that there are personal rewards for their efforts, but that they can take considerable pride from the fact that they are serving as valuable role models for other Club members."

"Ours is definitively a family-friendly martial arts club which has been operating since 2003, and we are now teaching people of all ages from 5 to 53, including a number of family groups who happily train together." "Our philosophy centres on providing high quality martial arts training that maintains tradition and focuses on karate fundamentals based on shotokan and goju ryu styles. Training is provided in basic and advanced techniques, kata, bunkai and kumite and introductory jujitsu techniques such as break falls, basic throws and locks," Tracy said.