Teenager Daniel Pethers from Kelly Bray has become one of the youngest karate black belts in the area. Daniel, from Callington Shotokan Karate Club, passed his first Dan black belt grading during a weekend course in St Ives ? aged just 14. Daniel has been training at Callington SKC, based at Callington Sports Centre, for more than six years. Club instructor Ian Eldred said: ?It?s a great achievement for Daniel and is a just reward for his dedication and training. Daniel is the youngest black belt in the club. ?It may seem a long time to some people to gain a black belt but our association maintains a very high standard and with juniors, maturity and attitude is as important as physical ability. Daniel can be sure that his grading is well earned and his standard of karate will be respected at any club or association worldwide.? His grading panel included internationally renowned instructors from England. - chaired by Sensei (teacher) Gerry Breeze, seventh Dan, Sensei Colin Putt from Plymouth and Sensei Mark Carrol, both fifth Dan senior instructors with the Federation British Shotokan Karate International. The course was one of many run by the association in the South West. Dans grading on Sunday afternoon following a gruelling two days of training. If anyone is interested in starting Karate, Callington SKC caters for two groups and teaches classes for children between five and eight on Thursday evenings at 5.15pm and a separate class for older children and adults on Monday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. ?We have a healthy spread of ages and grades in the club with all ability levels,? said Ian. ?We will be running a beginners session in January and will be supplying free Gis (Karate suits) to anyone who signs up for the 10-week introductory course.? The club meets in the gymnasium at Callington Sports Centre in the college campus. ?People seem to be put off trying Karate because they can?t do it!? said Ian. ?But that is the whole point; if we could all do it then there would be no point learning and training to get better. Daniel is a testament to the power of just turning up regularly and trying your best. A black belt grading may seem to be a daunting prospect but just like climbing hills, it?s just one step at a time and before you know it time has gone past and you?re at the top.? Ian Eldred can be contacted on 01579 384170/07854 837124.
