The 2 day summer grading for all BMA (Bushido Martial Arts) clubs in Ireland was held in the Leixlip Amenity Centre, Leixlip Co Kildare, which is also the HQ for BMA on the weekend of 27th-28th May.

BMA Clubs from Leixlip, Enfield, Celbridge, Cork, Naas and our own Clondalkin outfit saw students testing for their various belts and tips.

The grading was supervised by BMA chief instructor Roy Baker along with assistant chief instructor Ilija Salerno.

All BMA black belts then took to pen and paper to grade the numerous students for their next grade by demonstrating, boxing combinations, kickboxing drills, karate strikes and katas as well as a physical and mental ability to be able to pass their chosen grading.

The first day of the grading weekend, Saturday 27th May, was reserved only for the higher ranking grades to be tested as they had to endure a minimum of a 2 hour test.

Clondalkin was well represented in the senior ranks with newly awarded brown belt 1st tips, Shane Peppard, Robert Barrett, Patrick Delaney and Richard Walsh.

Clondalkin's junior rising high ranks were awarded to Aria Salerno,  jaden Palagnas, Lukas Siry, Allister Abolitna, Emilia Douglas,  Kameron and Joshua Staunton, Najma Jama, Ryan and Sarah Clifford, Lucio, Leeza and Lael Pembale.

Day 2 saw all the lower grades (white to green) get tested and it proved to be a tough challenge in the early summer heat and busy sports centre.

The day began with the first grade (white belt 1st tip) from 1pm finishing with the Green belt 2nd tips getting tested at 4pm.