Tebbutt’s Academy held its second grading for the year on March 12.

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This time it was the senior to intermediate belt students. The age groups were from 17 to 54 years.

Due to their higher experience levels, the students were placed together to face the daunting grading ahead.

“With intermediate and senior belts, the grading intensity is increased substantially. Weeks before grading students begin a strict regiment of exercise, fitness and body conditioning,” said Sensei Gift Nazigamba.

Competitors at this level have to display a high level of skills, strong attacks, and tough defences so students need to show adequate fitness and strength to enable them to be strong enough to be able to compete safely at tournaments and competitions.

Some of the key aspects of the grading were attack conditioning.
Students were kicked on their thighs and punched in the abs repeatedly to ensure that they were prepared to absorb any attack at a competition.

“This type of training is not uncommon at the dojo but greatly intensified at the grading, which compels students to increase their training regiments at their time.

“Students at this level show high levels of discipline developed from years of martial arts training. The main event of the day was the fighting. Students had to prove to be just as hard as every other aspect of the grading.”

This grading was preparation for students aspiring to reach their black belts.

Each student began fighting one on one but at each interval, another fighter was added which forced students to spar against two fighters at the same time.

Founder of the Academy Kancho Alex Tebbutt said he was proud of how all the students performed.

“Many of my students doubted their abilities but this grading had proved to them that they have what it takes.

“Having spent years with these students and seeing them grow from strength to strength I was confident of their abilities and today I’m proud to say the best is produced at Tebbutts academy,” said Tebbutt.