Last Saturday’s grading at K1KA was a particularly special one. Two familiar faces, Alesha and Nadia, returned to the mats after a few years away when K1KA was established last October. From the moment they stepped back into the gym, they set themselves a clear goal: to train hard for their black belts.

This weekend, they achieved an important milestone on that journey by earning their 1st kyu rank and being graded for their tri-colour belts.

The grading itself was no easy task. It was a gruelling test that demanded focus, stamina, combinations, and sparring, pushing them to show just how much progress they’ve made. Both Alesha and Nadia rose to the challenge with determination and skill.

For the coaches, it was a proud family moment too. The grading syllabus was compiled by Coach Ian, who was doubly proud to see his daughter, Alesha, succeed. Nadia is Instructor Phil’s daughter, making this achievement even more meaningful and a real family occasion to remember.

The students were elated with their success, and the coaches could not be prouder of their commitment and resilience. After a short celebration, both Alesha and Nadia are already back to training with their sights firmly set on achieving their black belts before Christmas.