weekend. Pictured are the Gradees and Instructors including visitors Cam Dunstan (middle at back) and Denis Byrnes (far right). ▪ Photo contributed
The Cobar Judo Club held its end of year grading and club competition over the weekend.
Friend of the Cobar Dojo, Shihan Denis Byrnes (a 6th Dan) of Sydney, visited after not being able to for the last few years, and was anxious to see how the local students had progressed since his last visit.
Along with fellow visiting instructor, Sensei Cam Dunstan (4th Dan) from the Tweed Heads region, the pair set about putting the Cobar Dojo through their paces.
And they were not disappointed.
Shihan Denis arrived early Tuesday afternoon and attended the club’s regular training session, with Sensei Cam arriving for the regular Thursday session.
A special Friday night session was held to get in as much training and tuition before the grading on Saturday.
After the morning session on the Saturday, the grading of members took place with the following new ranks issued.
Junior Orange belts awarded to Kian Engelbrecht, Mark Hibbert and Tim McClure.
Ronin Chandler earned a Junior Green belt, Ruth McClure progressed to a Senior Orange belt, Betsy Chandler obtained a Senior Green belt and Paul Theakston was awarded a Senior Brown belt.
Making the day extra special, several senior members of the Dojo were also awarded new ranks, with Connor Caton awarded his Sho-Dan (1st Dan) Black Belt, and his long time training partner, Andrew Roberts was awarded his Ni-Dan (2nd Dan) Black belt.
Finally, the Dojo’s principal instructor, Ray Chandler was recognised for his dedication to the local club, his service to the art of Judo and was awarded his Yon-Dan (4th Dan) Black belt.
“It’s not something that I was ever really expecting to achieve, but it’s definitely an honour to think my peers believe me to be worthy to be issued with a new rank,” Sensei Ray said.
“I certainly didn’t set out to get a promotion, but it’s nice to think hard work and dedication to the Dojo and the students within, can bring about these kinds of rewards.
“Its very humbling,” he said.
The club held its regular End of Year Shiai (competition) on Sunday, with the following results:
Yonens (U13yrs) 1st—Joseph Theakston, 2nd—Tim McClure, 3rd—Ronin Chandler.
Shonens (U16yrs) 1st—Caleb Theakston, 2nd—Mark Hibbert, 3rd—Jaina Chandler.
Sienen (16yrs+) 1st—Jeremy Theakston, 2nd—Paul Theakston, 3rd—Connor Caton.
With no Mons (U10yrs) members in the club, there were some extra trophies left over, so a ‘special’ veterans (Over 40yrs) division was contested: 1st—Robbie Cummins, 2nd—Ray Chandler, 3rd—Paul Theakston.
A number of special awards were also given out: Attendance Award—Betsy Chandler; Sue Duell Memorial Trophy—Kian Engelbrecht; Peter Fairbank Perpetual Trophy—Joseph Theakston; Best Bout—Ryan Jiang; and Best Ippon (point) scored for the day—Caleb Theakston.—contributed
