The association of Bushido Martial Arts, which has clubs in Leixlip, Naas, Enfield, Cork, Harold's Cross, Enfield, Celbridge and Clondalkin's very own outfit recently held a Black Belt grading in the Leixlip Amenity Centre, Leixlip, Co Kildare.

Only 11 students from all BMA clubs were picked to be tested for the coveted BMA black belt which takes a minimum of 6 years of active training to be chosen for black belt testing.

Out of the 11 students, four were Clondalkn's very own Amanda Clancy, Kym Fitzgerald, Joshua Duggan and Michal Siry. Originally there were five, but unfortunately Donal Hickey got injured during the Black Belt Pre-Grade so he had to withdraw.

The entire black belt grade took approximately 6 hours.  The grade consisted of combinations, pad work, shield work, self defence and kata. 

The BMA black belt grade was overseen by BMA chief instructor Roy Baker, 10th Dan, BMA assistant chief instructor Ilija Salerno, 5th Dan and BMA Senior instructor Darragh Geoghegan, 4th Dan.

BMA Clondalkin's senior coach ilija salerno said "It is a very limited number of students that actually grade for black belt with us. One it takes a minimum of 6 years and two, it takes a lot of dedication and commitment."

"Being awarded a black belt is not the end, as many students unfortunately think, but in fact it's the beginning of a new chapter in their martial arts journey. Clondalkin has been blessed with 18 black belts since we opened our doors in 2001. 11 are still active and 4 are have also been awarded their 2nd Dan black belts", proud coach ilija salerno concludes.