NINE students from the Penarth AKAD (Association of Karate and Allied Disciplines) recently undertook their Karate grading. This involved performing basic techniques (Kihon), pre-arranged sparring (Kumite) and a memorized sequence of movements (Kata).

The following grades were awarded:

4th Kyu – (Blue) – Thomas Firth

7th Kyu - (Red) - Rick Graham, Will Graham, Marina Mullet and Joe Doust.

9th Kyu – (Orange) – Daniel Cozma, David Cozma, Isabella Swain ODonnell and Maddison Falcon.

This group of individuals have worked hard to reach their current grades and are progressing towards achieving the high standard within the club.

The club trains on a Monday and Wednesday evening at Ysgol Pen-y-Garth’s Sports Hall (Sully Road) between 6pm and 7pm, with higher grade sessions on Monday evenings between 7pm and 8pm.

Stuart Creedon - 5th Dan Club instructor - has 30 years of Martial Arts experience and has taught adults and children to gain discipline, confidence and respect within the club's activities, which in turn is applied beyond the Dojo.

He said: "I continue to have immense satisfaction from teaching this group of individuals. Their level of commitment and attitude towards their continued development has been inspiring. The enthusiasm at the club has been infectious and there has been a noticeable improvement in fitness and ability in the adults and children across the grades. I am extremely proud of the every student and the standard they have strived to achieve in attaining their new grades."

The club is also very appreciative of the sponsorship received from Alltrust Services Ltd, which has been used to provide the new black AKAD training tops as worn in the club photo.

For further information, please contact Stuart Creedon on 07919 058 069 or visit www.akadgb.co.uk