Two members of Newport’s IW Shotokan Karate Club were successful in grading, for their black belts, at a recent Karate Union course and grading.

Fi Groves successfully passing her Sho-dan (first degree black belt) and Connor Taylor-Barnes his Ni-Dan (second degree black belt). After a training session, they both had to preform basic techniques, two katas (set moves) and kumite (fighting) in front of the grading panel, alongside 15 other students from across the south.

Sixteen-year-old Fi, who started training at the club in 2018, aged 10, is also a keen Sea Cadet at TS Osborne, in Cowes, and a competent sailor with Yarmouth Sailing Club. In October she was appointed as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s sea cadet, one of the highest achievements in the Cadet Force.

Connor, now 15, started his training in 2016, at the age of 7, and graded for his Sho-Dan in 2022, has won numerous medals in many karate championships over the years and is one of the youngest to achieve this grade on the Island. He also trains twice a week with Bembridge Football Club.

Fi and Connor have both said that the respect, discipline and physical fitness that they have learnt from their karate training has helped them to achieve their gradings and have also contributed to their other interests. They are both committed and dedicated to their marital arts and are looking forward to continuing their journey at the club.

The club has separate classes for beginners, intermediate and advance grades. Each class provides a structured programme so that students can learn at their level of fitness and experience.