Lesmahagow karate trio get black belts
DOUGLAS pair Iain McMillan (42) and William Todd (37), and their 42-year-old Biggar clubmate Kevin Kirk, all became black belts by passing an examination by International Shotokan Karate Union (ISKU) chief examiner Mike McCusker.
Iain, William and Kevin, who are regularly coached in Lesmahagow by Kihonkai Karate Academy coach Stevie Mason, impressed McCusker during four hours worth of kicking, punching and traditional combination moves at Bellahouston in Glasgow.
"I couldn't be happier for the three guys," Stevie (41) said.
"For their age, the amount of effort they put in is terrific. A lot of people that age are no longer in the sport.
"They're all busy family men, yet they make time to come and train at Lesmahagow three or four times a week. Iain, William and Kevin are all doing well to still be doing karate, never mind getting a black belt."
Stevie, the ISKU's assistant chief instructor, hopes that the three men will now help him with coaching duties at Kihonkai Karate Academy.
He is proud that every single one of his club's 14 members is now a black belt.
"This has come about due to a combination of my instruction and my pupils' natural talent shining through," he said.
The Lesmahagow branch of Kihonkai meets on Sundays and Fridays at Lesmahagow High School.
Anyone interested in joining the new black belts should contact Stevie on 07950 195616 to get one month's free trial or visit www.lanarkshirekarate.com
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Friday 25 May 2012
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