Held at the club’s Dojo in Transmission St, the grading day put students through balance skills, Kata, belt basics, sparing and self-defence.

Senior Instructor Enzo Trigila oversaw the grading and marked students on their attendance, form, how well they are progressing.

“We grade them on how much effort they put in throughout the year as well as on the day,” Trigila said.

“We have grading twice a year for our junior students, but only once a year for our seniors.”

“This is the day all of our students have the opportunity to really test themselves and display the skills they have learned in the past 12 months.”

“When we first teach our students kata, choreographed patterns of movements, they learn them for the actions, stance, movements and muscle memory.

As each students progresses, they learn why they are taught kata and how to apply it in different situations.

Trigila said when their physical training is combined with our school creed which focuses on respect for others students, they are on the journey to become the best they can be.

Secretary, and member of the Australian Stick Fighting Team, Chris Roche said it made him proud to be a member of the club when he watched the progress of long term students at grading each year.

“This year we decided to hold the grading at the Dojo so that we could showcase the improvements we have made in the past 12 months,” Roche said.

“It is important for the parents of our students to see how their children have progressed and also see what we have done here to make it an even better place to come and learn the martial arts of Karate.”

Grades will be evaluated then new ranks will be issued along with certificates before the end of the term.

Sikaran Martial Arts holds Sikaran Karate lessons on Tuesday and Thursday for juniors from 5:15 – 6:30pn and seniors from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

Both juniors and seniors train Arnis (Stick Fighting) on Friday 6:00 – 8:00pm and Saturday 4:30pm – 6:30pm.

Classes are open to beginners through to advanced students.

Further information can be found on their Facebook page ‘Sikaran Martial Arts Mt Isa Inc.’ or text ‘Sikaran’ to 0427 376 962.