Dai Senpai Nic Stubbings, Senpai Lillianne Jansen, Kyoshi Mick Fragiacomo, Senpai Jake Harvey, Shihan Daniel Zrajko and new black belt student Kobie Nixon.
Last year was a massive year of achievement for members of Murray/Riverina All Stars.
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The All Stars Martial Arts Academy hosted their national end of year gradings at the McKinnon Secondary College East Campus in East Bentleigh.
It was the first combined gradings event since before COVID-19.
Among the hundreds of students grading in various martial arts such as karate, muay thai boran, boxing and MMA, five Deniliquin karate students and one from Finley were attempting their next rank.
Murray/Riverina Shihan Daniel Zrajko said Deni students Kobie Nixon, Henry Campion, Seth Fuess and Finley Student Chelsea Hehir all achieved Sho Dan Ho (black belt).
“The black belt grading involves being observed and tested on various skills, such as physical techniques, fitness, self defence, verbal diffusion skills and coordination,” Zrajko said.
“Chelsea Hehir is the first black belt to come from the Finley karate dojo since its opening seven years ago.
“Lillianne Jansen and Jake Harvey achieved their Sho Dan (first degree).
“This grading is focused on very specific techniques, students are to perform all the kata (pattern/routine of techniques) they have learnt to this point to their judges.
“Lillianne and Jake were also presented with the honour grade of Senpai. This is a Japanese term of respect.”
Dai Senpai Nic Stubbings was also presented with a very special award at the presentation - the Bushido cross.
“The Bushido cross is a pendant presented to the student by the head of school at any rank, after being nominated by a club instructor,” Zrajko said.
“A student can become entitled to the cross by displaying the seven virtues of Bushido: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty.
“Once presented you belong to this elite family of warriors following the code of bushido.
“Students train fiercely to earn the honour and privilege of being awarded the Bushido Cross, Dai Senpai Nic has earned this privilege.”
New black belt students Seth Fuess, Henry Campion, Kobie Nixon and Chelsea Hehir with instructor Shihan Daniel Zrajko.
Kancho Rod Catterall, head of Freestyle Gojo Karate, thanked the Murray/Riverina teachers - Kyoshi Mick Fargiacomo Shihan Zrajko - for travelling and helping out on the day.
He also commented on the excellent commitment from the Deniliquin and Finley students for travelling so far to represent Deniliquin All Stars.
It was echoed by Zrajko.
“A big congratulations to our new brother and sister black belts on achieving their Sho Dan Ho.
“This will always be one of your biggest and most life changing achievements”
Upon being presented with this new black rank, all new black belts were asked to wear their belts for 72 hours after the assessment to remind them of their journey of hard work, discipline and commitment it has taken to reach this level.
All students were also asked to recite the black belt pledge upon completion of the grading, the pledge that all black belts live by, which states “I vow to live my life by the principles of a black belt, sincerity, modesty, courtesy, self control, etiquette, integrity and an unbeatable spirit”.
Chelsea Hehir, Finley's first black belt, preforming a side kick during the black belt grading.
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