On Tuesday 1st. June 2004. The Tora Black Belt Academy held their grading competition and display in the Kirkshaws neighbourhood Centre, Haddington Way, Coatbridge.  It was a night to remember.  All the kids were amazing with kata, sambon, throws and they had a display with their Jos.  2 independent judges were asked to come along, Brian McKeonwn, Karen Greg and Caroline Galt from Shukokai.  Trieda and AnneMarie  Graded the kids.

The katas that the competed in were:

Taikyoku Kata  The Kihon Katas                 
Taikyoku Shodan                               
Taikyoku Nidan                     
Taikyoku Sandan

Heian Kata   Peaceful Way
Heian Shodan      
Heian Nidan                    
Heian Sandan
Heian Yondan
Heian Godan     

Peinan Kata (Shukokai)
Peinan Nidan     


Tekki                            
Iron Horse
Tekki     Shodan
1st. Black Belt Kata  Bassai Dai
Bassai-dai- to storm a fortress-is normally the first Kata learned after a student achieves their 1st Kyu (brown belt). It uses a wide range of movements and stances, and must be undertaken strongly, with plenty of spirit.

High Black Belt Kata - Sanchin  

Sanchin Kata is possibly the oldest Kata in existence.  When Bodhidharma brought Buddhism to China from India about 525 AD, he founded the famous Shaolin Temple where he taught the priests a series of exercises which utilized dynamic tension to strengthen them.  

The name SanChin means "Three Wars".  The 3 Wars refer to eye[mind]control, posture[body]control and breath control[spirit] during the performance of the Kata.  It is traditional for practitioner's to ceremoniously remove their Gi tops prior to performing this Kata, so as to observe the intrinsic energy and form.  Traditionally many Dojo's check the performer's control, tension and balance by delivering strategic strikes, punches and kicks, to the chest, arms and legs while the Kata is being executed.

Gail Cadbury, Miss Body Building Scotland (3 time winner) from the muscle inn gym in Whifflet gave out the prizes to the kids.