Five pass Black Belt 1st Dan at the Dojo Karate Centre

Alan Lord, Black Belt

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Alan Lord, Charlie Crosby, Maayir Khan, Richard Reygan and Saarim Khan have all achieved Black Belt 1st Dan.

Alan Lord, 49, started at the Dojo Karate Centre with his son James, who is already a Black Belt, said: “I would like to thank all the Sensei at The Dojo for the very welcoming and helpful advice and guidance, particularly Sensei Ansari and Sensei Mark for all their hard work they put into me achieving something only a few people my age have achieved.”

Outstanding Achievement Awards went to Chase Fernandez, Kai Sweeting and Diane Reygan.

Chase Fernandez, 6, is a Brown Belt. He joined as a three-year-old in the Tiger Tots Class and since becoming old enough to join the regular classes, he has excelled at competition. In 2015 he represented England at the World Championships in Cardiff (WOMAA) and in Norwich (WMAC). He was given the award for being the youngest person in the history of The Dojo to win four gold medals at world level.

Kai Sweeting, 13, is a Brown Belt. Sensei Ansari recalls: “I remember the day Kai joined. After the lesson I told his mum that very soon he would be a world champ, she just shrugged it off, but he has been winning competitions ever since, including many medals at world level. He is very mature in martial arts understanding and practice.”

In 2015 Kai won an amazing 10 golds over the two world championships; despite suffering a bad injury at the world championships in Cardiff in July, he went onto to perform excellently in Norwich in August. His belt test profile is also impressive amassing distinctions throughout his career so far. 

Diane Reygan received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her service to the club and the extremely helpful attitude she shows to all members, instructors and parents.

Sensei Irfan Ansari said: “On behalf of all the members at The Dojo, I’m honoured to award these three the awards they truly deserve.

"Chase has shown that with diligent practice anything is achievable even at a very young age when competing with others of similar age from across the world.

"Kai is an outstanding and talented individual who has really grown in confidence and knowledge who shows a mature grasp of the martial arts.

"Diane’s help in organising squad members and taking the ‘off-the-mat’ lead at competitions and at the club shows her true dedication which allows our instructors to focus more efficiently on coaching youngsters.

"Well done to all three for fantastic achievements during 2015.”