Congratulations to the following students for passing their Aikido gradings on Saturday 25 June:

Naqib Rahman – 5th Kyu
Michael Moore – 4th Kyu
Huw Watts (Judd School) – 4th Kyu

And to Mr Muhsin Ogretme (staff) for passing his 4th Kyu.

The grading was officiated over by Rowan Thompson, Amyas Gilbert and Conan Theobald. Students had a short preparation class in which our visitors Amyas and Conan, both from Brighton Aikikai, were able to give advice and guidance to the students. The class was followed by the grading tests with students presenting their grades in front of the panel. All performed with great poise and control.

Naqib Rahman (Year 7) is the youngest student to achieve this grade in the history of the school club, while Michael (Lower Sixth) is the youngest student to achieve a 4th Kyu grade in the history of the school club. Both students could potentially achieve 3rd Kyu status in their time at school which qualifies students to wear hakama (traditional black pleated trousers worn by senior grades in Aikido). These are universally recognised grades and excellent achievements

Muhsin took his grading with Conan Theobald, a senior adult student, and performed very well. He has been a great help in the club this year and executing a grading at the same time as the school students takes a lot of courage.