The Caledonia Kyokushin clubs held grading tests in Oban and Lochgilphead on December 17 and 18. The Oban grading saw Charlie McLaughlin move up to 3rd Kyu, while his brother Darryl moved up to 1st kyu, just one step away from the coveted black belt.
Paul Mackay deserves a special mention as the latest member of the club to gain his ‘shodan’ - 1st degree black belt. Paul came through the test which involved several hours of technical work, tameshiwari (breaking) and fighting. After the test Paul said: ‘That was mentally and physically the hardest thing I have ever done’.
The picture below shows the trio proudly displaying their new belts although Paul will have an official presentation of his personalised belt and certificate in the new year.