Second Dan Success for Duo

5 December 2015

Congratulations to Ian Connell and Nicki Watts, who both passed their second dan grading examinations today.

Ian and Nicki were put through their paces by Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) in both the pre-grading training session and the grading itself. Ian and Nicki inspire many adults at the club – and beyond – with their determination to succeed and sheer hard work.

Ian joined the club back in 2004 and rarely misses a training session, turning up day in, day out with a positive attitude and encouraging nature. His grading kata 'Jitte' was sharp, controlled and ultimately just the ticket to help secure his new grade.

Nicki joined joined the Nailsea and Backwell clubs in 2012 wearing the black belt she was awarded in 1990. Reaching 2nd Dan has been a target of hers for so long, and we're delighted that her diligent training and determination have helped her achieve her aim. Nicki is the first female Nidan at the clubs and lays a path for many of our other female members to follow in her footsteps.

Well done to both of you. And to those that wish to achieve dan gradings, know that if you keep training hard and keep training regularly then you can – and will – make it happen.