Our evening classes are for adults only, but we make the occasional exception. Last Summer we welcomed 16-year old Cameron Frew to the club following a move with his family to the UK. Cameron started training in Goju Ryu at the young age of six under Sensei Elrie Bosman, in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. As a member of Karate-do International, he attended many gasshuku, both at home and abroad. Cameron also competed in numerous events, including the World Championships in Florida, USA, at which he achieved 4th place in his division.
With 10 years of training under his belt, Cameron joined us with a very good standard of karate. Over the last 6 months he worked hard alongside the adults, adjusting to our curriculum and further improving his technique and power. In addition to being a regular student at the evening classes, he also supported the children's classes on Saturday mornings, at times helping Sensei Fabio.
On Sunday 5th March, Cameron attended the Black Belt grading session at the OTGKA honbu dojo. As the only junior (under 18), he trained alongside 10 adult grading candidates, including 6 taking their yondan (4th dan) tests. After training for 3 hours in the morning, the grading started at 2pm. The grading took 2 hours, covering basic techniques, san dan gi, kata, pad work and the final 'spirit test'. It gives us great pleasure to announce that Cameron successfully passed to Junior Shodan (1st dan), under the watchful eyes of the grading panel: Sensei George Andrews 8th dan, Sensei Dave Amber 6th dan and Sensei Dick Lovett 5th dan.
L-R Sensei Martin, Sensei George Andrews, Cameron, Sensei Fabio
Unfortunately, Cameron could only stay with us in Cambridge for a short time, but we know that we'll train together again - perhaps a club trip to South Africa! We wish him all the best, knowing that black belt is only the first step, Ganbatte Kudasai!
L-R Sensei Martin, Cameron, Sensei Fabio, Sensei Louise
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