Four students from Busselton Martial Arts have capped off more than two years of dedicated preparation to complete their next black belt gradings.
Late last month, a select group of 24 adults trained in the Karate-Jutsu Koryukan style of traditional fighting arts by Busselton Koryukan chief instructor Craig Crampton Shihan, fifth dan black belt, endued a three hour grading in front of three high ranked instructors.
Crampton was joined on the examining panel by his own instructor of 35 years, Klaus Mueller Shihan, sixth dan black belt and long-time training partner David Puzey Sensei, fourth dan black belt.
The examination candidates were put through a number of tests from basic to advanced grappling, partner drills, kata (forms) and kumite (free sparring). The four students received impressive results.
Crampton’s first student from 22 years ago, William Holloway achieved his fourth dan black belt, 12 years after his last grading. Holloway is now Shihan’s right hand man in all aspects of training.
Rhiana Cooombs, the school’s longest serving female student with more than 17 years of training, was awarded her third dan black belt. Crampton said there are few ladies in traditional karate that ever achieve this result and it is a credit to her commitment.
Shannon Dempster received his long awaited third dan black belt. Dempster has been training since 1984 and re-joined Busselton Martial Arts several years ago.
After nine years of training, Jayson Walker received his second dan black belt. Crampton praised Walker for his commitment, having driven from Harvey three times a week for many years to train at the school.
Crampton said he is very proud of his students who are a reflection of what he is trying to achieve in Busselton. “Over the last 22 years we have built up a great family feel to the dojo with all the children and adult groups and there is a real comradery that I haven’t seen from other martial schools in a long time,” he said.
“We are trying to create a culture where everyone is supported, committed, disciplined, trains hard and has fun.”
The school teaches Koryu, a method of responding to habitual acts of physical violence utilising punches, kicks, throws, joint manipulations, strangles, pressure point strikes and ground fighting.
Crampton said the traditional style focuses on real life skills for all ages.
The school currently has 110 members and are running a special introductory offer of $50 for six classes and a uniform to keep in a bid to build up to 200 students by Christmas.
For more information contact Crampton on 0407 101 933 or visit busseltonmartialarts.com.au.