AT the 2016 Wado Ryu Karate-Do Academy Annual International Winter Training Course, held in Guildford recently, four members of Devon Wado Ryu Karate-Do Kai attempted Dan grading examinations with one member attempting 1st Dan black belt, one attempting 2nd Dan and two attempting 3rd Dan.

Of the seven candidates who attempted Dan gradings, only the four members from the Devon association were successful.

One of the 3rd Dan candidates, Noriko Mitsuhashi, is an honorary member of the Devon Association. Whilst native to Tokyo, Japan and currently living in the Netherlands, Noriko has had a long association with the group and has travelled regularly from overseas to Devon, to train intensively with the Devon Association’s senior instructor, Sensei Peter Hill, 6th Dan, for extra instruction and in preparation for grading examinations.

The other 3rd Dan candidate was Gary Moore, who has trained at the Crediton Dojo (at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre) since 1998.

After training in Devon for a number of years, Gary continued to train independently whilst living in Spain for four years, regularly travelling back to the UK for private tuition and kyu grade examinations with Sensei Hill.

Having returned to the UK, he then graded to 1st Dan in 2006 and 2nd Dan in 2010. Gary’s 2nd Dan examination was taken with the late Grandmaster H.Otzuka II 10th Dan and his 3rd Dan examination was taken with the new Grandmaster K.Otsuka.

Both gradings were also attended by the Chief Instructor for Europe, Sensei M Shiomitsu, 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan.

All members of Devon Wado Ryu Karate-Do Kai would like to congratulate their fellow members on their well-deserved achievements and extend their thanks to Sensei Peter Hill for the exceptional support he gives to his students at all times.