Omoikiri Budo Kai, a freestyle Karate, held its annual major grading (or testing day) on July 23 at the Wesley Hill Sports Complex.
Omoikiri Budo Kai is based out of Castlemaine with another club also operating in Bendigo. Grading’s are the method used to assess students’ abilities and award changes in belt colour.
Local instructor Jason Gray said the club usually hold two gradings each year, the major grading allows all levels to be tested and includes students attempting various levels of black belt.
“This year over 70 local students ranging in age from 5 through to over 65, were promoted with new belts , with two student attempting Black Belt,” he said.
“A black belt grading is a physically and mentally demanding grading, which requires the students to demonstrate all the techniques learned over the previous years, to a satisfactory standard,” Mr Gray said.
“Both Harry Jones and Miller Jones were assessed and passed the grading and are now Omoikiri Budo Kai’s newest Black Belts!” he said.
This major grading also doubles as the club’s presentation day, with students being presented various awards for work done during the year.
This year Elvie Dobson and Odetta Bennett were presented the Castlemaine Little Dragons Students of the Year award.
Lexi Schultz was awarded the Junior Student of the Year award and Harry Jones the Senior Student of the Year award, a variety of other students received Achievement awards and special commendations.
Three students were presented with long service awards with Patricia Barratt being presented with a 10 Year long service certificate, Lillie Spragg 15 years and Rueben Larson a 25 years certificate for long service to local Martial Arts.