Isle of Man Karate Club recently held a training and grading course with Sensei Frank Brennan 8th Dan.

He is a former multiple European champion in Kata and Kumite, and is now the chief instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain.

Sensei Brennan was accompanied by Sensei Chris Luecke 5th Dan, also from the celebrated Liverpool Red Triangle Karate Club.

The course started with two and a half hours of extremely tough training in Kihon (basics), Kata (form) and Kumite (sparring).

The grading then followed and was successful with students being promoted to their various respective Kyu grades. Sensei Brennan complemented them for their outstanding performance.

They are: Douglas members (red belt) Emil Angelov, Ayibapreye Holden, Wengi Moemi Holden; (purple and white belt) Steve Ward; (green belt) Carys Pease; (purple belt) Una Pease, Claudia Eggberry, Ryan Eggberry; (brown belt) Stan Kopacz.

Ramsey members: (orange belt) Michael Kneale, Decre Swann, Dennie Bates, Ethan Burgess, Peter Quayle; (red belt) Aidan Koske, Logan Koske; (brown and two white stripes belt) Samuel Perry.

Dan grading certificates were then presented by Sensei Brennan to Alexander Quilliam (1st Dan black belt), Jamie Corkill (1st Dan black belt) and senior member Andrew Barnett (4th Dan black belt).

Shotokan karate is a form of self-defence catering for all levels and can be practiced by the very young to the very old. Everyone can benefit from the qualities on offer which include high-level fitness, increased self-discipline and esteem, character building, promoting confidence and anaerobic enhancement.

Anyone interested in learning karate will be most welcome. For further information contact the following instructors:

Douglas Dojo - training at Glencrutchery School gymnasium John Kennish (629195) or Ramsey Dojo at Auldyn School gymnasium Peter Hudson (230281).