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JOSH PASSES BLACK BELT
By Admin
09 December 2017 5:12 pm
Pictured (left to right): Sensei Andy Sherry, Josh Mashford and Sensei Frank Brennan
Pictured (left to right): Sensei Andy Sherry, Josh Mashford and Sensei Frank Brennan
Bristol Karate Academy student, Josh Mashford, got the Christmas present he was wishing for after passing his black belt.

The promotion to 1st Dan was the result of over five years’ hard work for Josh, who started at the Backwell Karate dojo, based at Backwell Parish Hall, where he trains alongside his dad – also a black belt – and brother. The 2nd December exam date meant that he was able to pass just in time for Christmas – a perfect way to round off the year.


The grading took place in Surrey, after Josh and his fellow examinees were put through their basis by renowned Karate experts Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan). The exam involved Josh demonstrating Karate fundamentals, combinations, kata and kumite (sparring), in which Josh showed exceptional control of his fighting area and poise in both defence and attack.

Josh is the fifth club member to pass a dan grading in 2017, Bristol Karate Academy’s inaugural year, following the coming together of dojos in Nailsea, Backwell and Westbury-on-Trym. “We’re all delighted that Josh got the black belt that he trained so hard for,” says Bristol Karate Academy coach, Tim Griffiths. 

“Any high performance athlete wouldn’t become an expert in their field without daily practice and it’s exactly the same with Karate. Josh rarely misses a lesson across all of our dojos and makes sure he runs through drills in between classes too – the hallmark of anyone committed and showing future potential. Congratulations to Josh and we look forward to helping you as you continue to progress.”

Josh started Karate less than a week after the close of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and now all karate exponents can eyeball the opportunity to become Olympic champions themselves, after Karate was admitted into the 2020 Games in the home of the martial art, Japan. If you’ve got Olympic ambitions or simply want to try something new in 2018 then find out more by visiting our classes page.