A Record-Breaking Start to 2026: Our Biggest Grading Yet!

What a way to kick off the new year!

This past weekend, Kato Martial Arts hosted its first grading examination of 2026, and it was officially our biggest grading to date.

We had an incredible 47 students stepping onto the mats to test for their next rank. For three solid hours, the energy in the room was electric. From our youngest beginners taking their very first steps on the ladder to our senior grades pushing their limits, every single student demonstrated the focus, discipline, and spirit that defines our club.

Indomitable Spirit: A Special Mention

In martial arts, we often talk about “Indomitable Spirit”—the refusal to quit when things get tough.

We saw a perfect example of this from Mark, who was grading for his Blue Belt (2nd Ji). Despite battling a knee injury, Mark refused to let it hold him back. He stood tall, powered through the pain, and successfully executed an excellent jumping side kick to break his board. It was an inspiring moment for everyone in the room and a testament to his dedication.

The Results

We are incredibly proud to announce that the standard across the board was high. The hard work you have all put in since Christmas has truly paid off.

Please join us in congratulating the following students on their promotions:

Promoted to Blue Belt (2nd Ji)

• Mark

Promoted to Green Stripe (5th Ji)

• Destiny

• Nigel

Promoted to Orange Belt

• Lottie

Promoted to Orange Stripe

• Tobias

Promoted to Yellow Belt

• Akshat

• Atiksh

• Oscar

• Ruben

• Rudy

• Summer

• Tzion

• Xena

Promoted to Yellow Stripe (9th Ji)

• Abhiveeraa

• Aliana

• Amara

• Ameera

• Ayla

• Darcey

• Darren

• Edward

• Ellie

• Harneet

• Hassan

• Ibiola

• Imogen

• Jake

• Jesica

• Jess

• Lauren

• Leo

• Lily

• Madison

• Melvin

• Mia

• Natasha

• Navin

• Ronak

• Saskia

• Sehaj

• Sophia

• Veronika

• Zack

• Zakariya

• Zakariyah

• Zaman

Next Steps

For those who passed, your new belts and certificates will be awarded in class soon. Wear them with pride—you earned them!

If you were inspired by the grading and want to push for your next belt, keep up the attendance and keep practicing. The journey to Black Belt is a marathon, not a sprint, and you just took another massive step forward.

See you on the mats!