Mayo mother and daughter score karate black belt double

YOTOSHINKAI Karate Club, Castlebar, had a unique grading when club members Kathleen Culkeen and daughter Chrystal successfully passed their black belt grading examination.

This was a unique occasion as it was the first time in the club that two closely related members from Castlebar achieved such a senior grade.

The grading examination was carried out by renowned sensei Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan, chief international coach of the World Combat Association. Iain was in Castlebar teaching a weekend seminar to Yotoshinkai club members and guests.

The intense grading included proving skill and technique in kata (forms), bunkai (defence applications), combinations, pad drills, kumite and randori (freestyle sparring and ground techniques).

Yotoshinkai Karate Club trains under sensei Edward Doyle, 4th Dan, in both Goju Ryu and Shotokan styles and predominately focuses on the functional applications of karate, practising self-defence techniques and applications.

The club trains on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. at An Sportlann, Castlebar, and on Monday nights in Newport Hall at 8 p.m, with senior grades only also training additional classes.

New members are always welcome to come along and train.

Along with training in self-defence and building confidence, karate training helps to improve fitness, reduce stress and, most importantly, helps to train the mind to focus and concentrate.