October 2026 Grading: Outstanding Performances at Kato Martial Arts!
What a fantastic day for Kato Martial Arts! Our latest grading saw 29 students take to the mats to demonstrate their skills, determination and dedication, with some truly outstanding performances across all three groups.
From our nervous beginners taking their first steps on their martial arts journey to our more experienced students tackling increasingly challenging techniques, everyone gave their absolute best, and we couldn’t be prouder!
A Fantastic Effort from Our White Belts!
One of the biggest highlights of the day was seeing so many of our white belts stepping forward for their very first grading.
With 17 white belts participating, there were understandably plenty of nerves, worried faces and perhaps a few butterflies in the stomach!
For many of our younger students, standing in front of a grading panel and demonstrating techniques under pressure is a huge challenge in itself. However, once things got underway, those nerves were replaced by determination, concentration and some brilliant performances.
Every single one of our beginners rose to the occasion, showing just how much they’ve learned since joining Kato Martial Arts.
You did yourselves, your instructors and the entire club incredibly proud!
Special Mentions and Outstanding Performances
While everyone performed brilliantly, we’d like to give a special shout-out to five students who particularly impressed us during the grading.
- Manvir – A fantastic all-round performance, particularly impressing with his board-breaking technique and excellent knowledge of martial arts terminology.
- Chelsie – A brilliant performance throughout, showing great confidence, determination and a fantastic attitude.
- Adam L. – Excellent form work, powerful impact testing and precise techniques demonstrated the hard work he’s put into his training.
- Gary – An outstanding performance, with a particularly impressive double board break using both feet, demonstrating great power, accuracy and control.
- Alexander – Fantastic Tooi Ta (sparring), showing excellent perseverance, determination and a willingness to push himself throughout the grading.
A huge well done to all five, and congratulations to everyone who took part!
October 2026 Grading Results
Congratulations to all 29 students who participated in this grading. Below are our students and the new belt ranks they have been working towards.
Yellow Stripe
- Aidan
- Anaya
- Anaya
- Auryan
- Delilah
- Jake
- Kaya K.
- Manvir
- Nylah-Rea
- Simar
- Zente
- Zunainah
- Kaysey
- Avi-Mai
- King
- Chelsie
- Mason
Yellow Belt
- Amara
- Ilinka
- Khose A.
- Poppy
- Rithayan
- Adam L.
Orange Stripe
- Ozias
- Lior
- Gary
Orange Belt
- Alexander
- Jacqueline F.
- Tobias
Congratulations to everyone on your achievements! Each new belt represents another important milestone in your martial arts journey and the hard work you’ve put into your training.
More Than Just a New Belt
At Kato Martial Arts, we believe grading is about much more than simply earning a new belt.
It’s about demonstrating perseverance, respect, self-discipline and the courage to challenge yourself, even when you’re feeling nervous.
Our grading standards remain high because we believe every belt should be earned, and the performances throughout this grading were a wonderful reflection of the effort our students put into their lessons week after week.
Whether you’re a beginner learning your first techniques or a more experienced student refining your skills, every grading is another opportunity to grow in confidence and ability.
Thank You and Well Done!
A huge thank you to Master Nik Fowden, our instructors and assistant instructors for their continued dedication to developing our students.
We’d also like to thank all the parents and families who support our students, encourage their training and help them prepare for these important milestones.
Most importantly, congratulations to every student who stepped onto the mats. You showed determination, courage and a fantastic attitude throughout the day.
Wear those new belts with pride, keep practising and remember that every new belt is the beginning of your next challenge!
Well done, everyone. You’ve done Kato Martial Arts proud!
See you on the mats! 🥋
