Black belt success for OM

Old Moorlander gets first black belt for the Moorlands Karate Club

Around 5 years ago, Sensei Brian Thornton introduced a new sport to Moorlands School: Shukokai karate. This karate style is popular across the north of England and is led by an ex England world champion, Sensei Stan Knighton, based in Sheffield.

The karate club has proved popular with children from the ages of 5 upwards, and some parents have joined the club as well. In November this year, the club produced its first Moorlanders black belts: Hani and Freddie Dresner.

Old Moorlander, Hani Dresner achieved one of the highest scores at the black belt grading, which took place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield under the adjudication of the highest ranking Shukokai instructors. Hani’s brother Freddie (who is still at Moorlands and is aged 10) achieved his black belt at the minimum allowable age.

Hani explains, “It has been hard working getting to black belt. I have been doing around 5 hours of karate a week, plus a summer camp and weekend sessions over the last year. I also do around two hours of Tai Jutsu training every week with my brother and father. This has got me fitter and added throws and wrestling to the kicking and punching of karate. There have been times when the training got a bit much, but now I am a black belt it is definitely worth it!”

Hani and Freddie both regularly compete in the Shukokai national combat championships, and Hani is the current champion in her weight class. They have an impressive collection of trophies collected over the last 5 years, which is a testament to their ability, but also to the system of junior competitions that encourages participation. Contact is minimal, injuries rare, and the sense of achievement is very rewarding for children.

Hani will be eligible to grade for her second dan black belt at the age of 14, and plans to go to university with a 3rd dan and instructor qualification. With this in mind she will be helping her father setting up their own fitness, self protection, and karate club in 2009.