The Student

Congratulations to the youngest member of our black belt club hereat the Bonsai Black Belt Academy. On Sunday 23rd of febuary 8 year old Arnie took he 1st dan black belt. This was a culmination of 5 years of training around 3+ times a week from Bonsai Bears all the way through his belts.

The Grading

Once again the prospective student entered the gauntlet of kata and technique to prove his worth to the pannel of black belts. Though also battling illness, Arnie powered through and gave it his all, impressing all of us with his power and knowledge of the katas he has learned.

Once again everything was scored out of ten and this young man smashed everything he did with no scores below a 9. Just like Alex did in December he had to perform every technique he has been taught since white belt, perform all 10 combinations, Tenshins, all 30 katas required for 1st Dan as well demonstrate an understanding of bunkai (kata application), Japanese knowledge and Partner work.

Arnie also endured our sprirt test of 300 round kicks, 200 punches both of which were counted by one of the black belts, Harry (Who me and Lydia have discovered can’t count so add at least 20 or 30 to those numbers), followed by 10 rounds of sparring against 2 junior coaches lasting 30 seconds each round back to back.

The End?

For those of you who dont know Arnie I can asure you that this is not the end for him. He’s already got his eyes on 2nd Dan and despite his young age will be welcome to assist the junior coaches in lower grade classes – a future Sensei in the making no doubt!

A Message From Me (Liam)

Arine has always been a character in class but there is never a day where he hasnt worked hard. He is a pleasure to teach and it was an honour to sit on the pannel and grade him on sunday. This outcome was no shock to me as I’m pretty sure he could do some of his katas blindfolded.

Welcome to the Black Belt Club Arnie!

Liam Cooper (Instructor)