Two local teenagers showed a warrior spirit, to become the next generation of Black Belts at Elite Karate Academy at gradings held in December 2021. In an open grading in front of family, friends and fellow students, Sean Smith (14) and Orla Phelan (16) went through an entire syllabus involving single techniques, combinations, partner work and kata (pre-arranged forms).
Every year 1000’s of men woman and children start a journey in the martial arts, with only an elite few making it to Black Belt level. Having trained in Wado Ryu (The Way of Harmony) Karate-do, Sean & Orla showed the poise, grace, power, and humility of a true warrior, and now joins a linage of black belts, in Elite Karate Academy. Their instructor Sensei Gareth FitzGerald says, “I am incredibly proud of their achievement. For such a young age they have shown an incredible passion and commitment over the years, they have been on a journey to discovery their true potential beyond fear, pain or ego, they have trained through ups and downs, including a global pandemic and lockdowns, and embody all the characteristics of a martial artist, It is my honour to call them my students.”
This was a huge moment for Elite Karate Academy Students, especially for the younger students who were inspired to see 2 teenagers become the club’s latest black belts.
