Brown and Black Belt Course and Dan Grading – Sunday 30th November 2025

On Sunday 30th November 2025, SKC England held the winter Black and Brown Belt Course and Dan Grading at Willesden Sports Centre.

Two courses were held separately for the brown and the black belts where the examiners, who would later test them, took students through basics, kata and kumite. The focus was on detailing exactly what examiners are looking for and building energy and confidence ahead of the grading.

Between the courses, there was a very special announcement. SKCE’s Chairman and Chief Instructor was awarded 8th Dan. More details available in a separate article.

The karateka grading were at an exceptionally high level and all of them should feel exceptionally proud of themselves. Their instructors certainly are proud of them!

A special mention must go to Christopher Brook, who graded for 3rd Dan at the young age of 74!

Commiseration to those who didn’t quite make the grade this time, but please keep training as you were so close and should get it next time.

Photographs were kindly taken by Keith Bird.

Congratulations of all those who passed their Dan Grading.

Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)

Anuj Baniya

Calypso Burgess

Rollo Burgess

Shireen Cassie

Alexander Economou

Gaurav Gurung

Dishaan Kalaignawakaran

Maryam Khan

Amelia Le

Vivaan Makwana

Ayub Mohammed

Neave Monaghan

Keerththana Navaraj

Shah Rahman

Nicolas Regnier

Ellora Roy-Bird

Shems Yaghi

Sandan (3rd Dan Black Belt)

Christopher Brook

David French

Allison Kot