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LIAM PASSES BLACK BELT
By Admin
06 December 2018 11:15 pm
Congratulations to Liam Mashford, who became the youngest ever black belt in Bristol Karate Academy’s 40 year history on Saturday, after passing his shodan exam in Surrey under world famous instructors, Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan).

Liam first started Karate back in September 2013, on the Bushido Warriors courses for 5-7 year olds. Since then he's always had his eye on passing black belt. To get there Liam has trained exceptionally hard. In the run up to his grading especially he's trained across all four of our dojos, in Backwell, Long Ashton, Nailsea and Westbury-on-Trym.

Liam is the third member of the Mashford family to pass his black belt, with brother, Josh, having been awarded his a year earlier and dad, Kevin, having passed his in 1993. While two other families in the club's history have got to three black belts between them, the Mashfords may make it to four. They all look forward to their youngest brother, Luke, joining when he turns five. 

Bristol Karate Academy's chief instructor, Tim Griffiths, said, “Liam’s performance at his black belt grading was excellent. After making numerous improvements in the run up to the grading he certainly stood out amongst the crowd.”

“While Liam is now the youngest ever black belt at the club, he certainly has big shoes to fill. The previous record holder recently picked up a team Gold at the JKS national championships and earlier this year became an instructor at the Academy after 14 years of hard study. With the right attitude and continued hard work, who knows what the future may hold for Liam.”

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