Loughton Wado-Kai Karate Club has held its first grading for five pupils

Members Olivia Offer, Daisy Harris, Darcey Offer, Lola Collings and Alex Popa were all awarded their eighth Mon following grading and will now work towards their eighth Kyu, the full grade.

Reflecting on the club’s first grading, Walton enthused: “It was a really good. It was the first grading the club has had since it opened and they were all beginners from day one.

“Their parents all came to watch. They did all their moves and it was just a really good evening. It was the first time all the parents have come to watch as well and they were all really impressed.”

The club only opened its doors in October and after a slow uptake initally, Walton is pleased with how the first five months have gone.

He said: “For the first few weeks I had no-one come down but it is hard to start something from scratch. I am up to eight members now. I have been doing a lot of marketing and if the kids like it they tell their friends. We are competing with lots of other clubs in the area too, which makes it harder. But it is not about making money, it is about the kids enjoying themselves.”

The club is not just aimed at children though, with Walton’s ultimate aim being to run consecutive classes for children and adults. Walton said: “If I could get adults too, that would be great. It would be great to have two hours with kids and then adults. Hopefully within six or seven months the kids will get a full grade and get their full belts.”

The club welcomes new members and beginners and is open to all ages from six upwards. Classes will take place on from 7pm to 8pm at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, in the drama hut.

For more information, contact Jason Walton on 07971 672542 or visit www.loughtonwadokai.co.uk.