Dean Callaghan, Jeffery and Stephany McCarthy, Max Collins and Bree Willis were presented their yellow belts on conclusion of the 3.5 hour grading overseen by Hanshi Ian Pollet at Dubbo Dojo.

Sensei Amanda George said the achievement comes after seven months of intense training at the Wellington PCYC.

“Students have been working incredibly hard, they’ve taken their first step in martial arts and their hard work is paying off,” she said.

“During the grading they were put to the test. They had to demonstrate their understanding of karate basics, self defence and the set pattern of karate movements.

“it’s like your alphabet for karate.” 

Amanda said it was a test of physical, mental and spiritual ability. 

“The students from Wellington shone and they did an amazing job, I’m so proud of them,” she said.

“They’ve only been training for a short time and they did an amazing job.

“They demonstrated their techniques very well, were very passionate and showed their love for the art.

“The goal now is to keep learning and pushing forward, the next belt is the green.”

To top off what has already been an exciting month for the students ranging in age from 13 to 50 years old was a rare visit by Grand Master Kiichi Nakamoto of Okinawa who visited Dubbo last week.

“The students had the privilege to train with Grand Master Kiichi Nakamoto in a two hour seminar,” Amanda said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity as he doesn’t normally travel outside of Okinawa.” 

Contact the Wellington PCYC for more information on the class run each Wednesday afternoon.