It is with enormous pride that we can confirm that SPORT KARATE EAST has a new SAKAI Association Black Belt.

Caitlin Dunn was awarded her Shodan from Sensei David M Coulter MBE, 8th Dan and our Assistant Chief Instructor Mr. Kris Coulter 6th Dan, on Saturday, 26th November 2022 at our Hunbu [Head Quarters] in Kilmarnock.

CAITLIN DUNN’s SAKAI BLACKBELT

The SAKAI Black Belt Grading is a right of passage, it was both physically and mentally challenging for Caitlin, but the reward at the end was PRICELESS.

In addition too Kihon, Caitlin had to perform 44 different combinations from memory, 10 Kata’s, a written exam against the clock, and at the end of all of that, she had to fight over 35 Kumite matches.

Caitlin’s SHODAN [First Dan] is very important to SPORT KARATE EAST, her 1st Dan basically means that she have mastered the fundamental techniques of karate along with the psychological and mental development necessary to make her karate effective.

Caitlin’s first and foremost responsibility is to train, a 1st Dan has just started their journey.  Part of the growth process that occurs in karate is just plain old everyday hard work that goes with doing something over and over again until you can’t get it wrong. Caitlin’s SHODAN is just the first step on a life long journey of personal development for her.