As the Easter holidays arrived, April became a month of both well-deserved rest and determined preparation. While some enjoyed time with family and took the opportunity to recharge, many of our students stayed focused, training hard for upcoming gradings and competitions. From Black Belt triumphs to social evenings and grading prep, it’s been a month full of milestones, momentum, and memories.

Black Belt Grading Success

A HUGE congratulations to our students who tackled the Black Belt Grading challenge this month! After months of dedication and countless hours of training, we’re thrilled to announce that all five students who graded were successful:

• 

  Ethan – 4th Degree Black Belt

• Kyle – 3rd Degree Black Belt

• Tamsin – 2nd Degree Black Belt

• Tilly – 1st Degree Black Belt

• Matt – 1st Degree Black Belt

Incredible effort from all – we’re so proud of your achievements!

Easter Holidays & Social Fun

The Easter break naturally brings a slower training rhythm, but our students did a great job balancing recovery and preparation. It was great to see many still attending classes where possible and maintaining progress.

We also enjoyed a fantastic Easter Social at iBounce, followed by a meal at Nando’s! It was a brilliant evening of fun and laughter – a great reminder of the supportive community we’ve built. Our Summer BBQ will be here before we know it!

Next Colour Belt Grading:

• Sunday, 11th May
• Cranbrook Education Campus – from 9:00am

Students have been training hard for their upcoming gradings, with most of our colour belts due to grade this time round – it's been a busy lead-up!

Pre-Grading:

• When: Thursday, 1st May
• Where: St Luke’s C of E School (6:00 - 7:30pm)

Pre-Grading Schedule:

• 6:00pm – up to & including 7th Kups
• 6:45pm – 6th Kups & above

Attendance is compulsory for those grading.

Welsh Championships – Sunday, 18th May

We’re thrilled to be taking 16 competitors and 3 referees to the Welsh Championships in Cardiff! This is always one of our favourite national events of the year, and our team is raring to go. Entry is now closed – stay tuned for our competitor line-up soon!

Wednesday Class Changes – Temporary Venue & Times

With exam season taking over West Exe's Gymnasium, Wednesday classes will temporarily move to the Drama Theatre (upstairs) from 7th May to 9th July. Please note the new timings:

• 6:00 - 7:00pm – Up to & including green belts
• 7:00 - 8:00pm – Blue stripes & above

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this time!

Looking Ahead…

April has been a strong month for the club – from achievements in the dojang to socials outside of it. Congratulations again to our black belts, and best of luck to everyone preparing for upcoming gradings and competitions.

Let’s carry this energy into May and keep working toward our goals. See you in class!