LUCIE Skelton was already a black belt in karate, but recent gradings at Burton Manor KC will be an occasion she will always remember.
It was a superb achievement for the youngster, who showed great power and control in the Kata discpline as the grand master David Dewhurst (8th Dan) reeled off what he wanted.
“She took them all in her stride and gave all a demonstration of power, control and agility,” said club Sensei Steve Lakin (6th Dan).
“As she moved on to the Kumite discipline she was more than ready to take on all comers and dealt with each opponent regardless of age or experience testing even the senior grades to the limit.”
Fired up on adrenalin she brushed aside challenges from Sadie Young, scoring a straight Ippon (single point) for a strike to the head. Eden Davies and Emily Huxley, both good 2nd Karateka, took the fight to her but were only going to go the way of Young.
It was then time for Skelton to take on the big guns, selected by the master, and he went for two of the senior team, Dan Lakin (5th Dan) and Dean Tomlinson (5th Dan).
However, Skelton went on the attack and was unlucky not to be awarded a half point for a forward punch, Master Dewhurst declaring it was a push!
At the restart, Tomlinson unleashed his trademark set of kicks and it was all over, but Skelton had held her own, enough to secure her 2nd Dan.
Keeping it in the family were mum Tracy, daughter Jessica and son Oliver Down, all of whom improved on their previous grades and were awarded 7th Kyu, 7th Kyu and temporary 7th Kyu respectively. Joshan Bhorra, who had not taken a grading for sev- eral years,missed out on a blue belt, but picked up a worthy 3rd Kyu (green belt). Natalie Lippitt improved by half a grade to 2nd Kyu (blue belt).
BMKC meet Wednesdays (6.30-7.30pm), with beginners 7.30- 9pm; Thursdays (7.30-9pm) and Sundays (10.30am-12noon).
