13-06-26 - 51 New Grades including two new USKA Black Belts awarded on latest USKA General Grading!

The USKA Fight Factory hosted another busy and successful General Grading today, with an impressive 51 new grades awarded, including two prestigious 1st Dan Black Belts.

Candidates were assessed from Red Belt (1st Grade) through to Green Belt (5th Grade), with the grading culminating in examinations for 1st Dan Black Belt (11th Grade).

Chief Instructor Neil Kelly once again put students through a comprehensive assessment process, testing technical proficiency, combination work and, for Yellow Belts and above, controlled sparring ability. Throughout the day, candidates were required to demonstrate not only their technical knowledge but also the discipline, focus and determination expected of a martial artist.

For the Black Belt candidates, the requirements extended far beyond the grading day itself. Their assessment included Fight Training disciplines such as Shadow Boxing, Padwork and Bagwork, as well as participation in a demanding 10 minute Shark Tank sparring drill earlier in the grading week.
In addition, each candidate was required to demonstrate leadership and coaching ability by delivering an original group warm-up and stretch session, as well as teaching Kickboxing fundamentals and combinations on a live Beginners Class. To complete the process, both candidates submitted a comprehensive portfolio documenting their achievements within the sport, reflecting on the lessons gained through their martial arts journey and outlining their future goals and ambitions.

As expected with two USKA Black Belts on the line, the grading was both physically and mentally demanding. The day concluded at 7:10pm, representing approximately eight hours of work on the mats when the pre-grading preparation session was included.

The excellent preparation undertaken in the lead-up to the grading was clearly evident throughout the day, with every candidate achieving the required pass mark. The overall standard was extremely high, and there were some outstanding performances across all grades.

The highlight of the day saw the awarding of 1st Dan Black Belts to Sami Kelly and Sumayya Griffith.

For Sami, this achievement represents almost 19 years of dedication, having started training at just four years of age. For Sumayya, it marks the culmination of almost 16 years of hard work, commitment and perseverance since beginning her martial arts journey at the age of 15.

Achieving a Black Belt is not simply a reflection of technical ability, it is recognition of years of consistency, resilience, personal growth and dedication to the martial arts. We could not be prouder to welcome both Sami and Sumayya into the ranks of USKA Black Belts.

Special recognition must also go to our A-Star Graders:

• Muhammad Marsaleen Akbar – Yellow Belt – 93% (A-)
• Yeasin Midal – Yellow Belt – 95% (A-)
• Rayaan Ellahi – Green Belt – 93% (A-)
• Amad Azim – Green Belt – 91% (A-)
• Sami Kelly – Black Belt – 97% (A)

Congratulations to all of our successful candidates on a fantastic achievement.

Finally, a sincere thank you goes to all of our instructors and coaches for their continued hard work, professionalism and commitment in preparing our students to such a high standard.

Our next General Grading will take place in September, and we look forward to seeing the next group step forward and embrace the challenge.