This page shows our current Black Belt Students.
A Black Belt is widely known as a way to describe an expert in Martial Arts. To become a Black Belt involves a lot of training over a minimum period of 4 to 5 years. Why does it take this long to attain? The answer to this is that a student must reach a set standard in all areas showing good technical skills, the right attitude and good physical fitness. Because of this it is a challenge for the student and therefore some don’t make it, but those who do excel in their discipline.
The Black Belt system starts from Shodan – 1st Dan then goes up through the Dan grades. For example, Nidan – 2nd Dan, Sandan – 3rd Dan, Yondan – 4th Dan, and so on. So the 1st Dan level is just the start, there is so much more to the arts than reaching Black Belt. It is a lifetime endeavour and one that evolves as the martial artist matures.
Current Black Belts
Sensei Fred Bateman
Sensei Bateman has a number of Dan grades, which are Roku Dan (6th Dan) in Anshin Ryu & Yon Dan (4th Dan) in Matayoshi Kobudo, and is the Chief Instructor for Kodokan Martial Arts, teaching Anshin Ryu Karate, as well as Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan. More information about him can be found on other pages of the website.
Sensei Beckie Challans
Sensei Beckie came to us back when she was just six years old, and we have seen her grow into an excellent martial artist in both Karate and Kobudo. She is a valuable member of our team, helps in classes, and teaches regularly, whipping the students into shape. She holds a Shodan (1st Dan) in both Karate and Kobudo.
Shidoin Rob Challans
Rob Challans is a very experienced Shidoin (assistant instructor) in Matayoshi Kobudo. His help and guidance is extremely appreciated by other Sensei and students. He now takes classes as part of his training to become a future Sensei in Matayoshi Kobudo. He is also very well respected by the head of MKKI, Sensei Franco Sanguinetti.
Shidoin Justin Kotzes
Justin Kotze came to us back in 2002 from Wing Kung a Kung Fu system that he studied in South Africa. Since then he has had a break in training while qualifying as a PhD in Criminology. He has now returned to his karate training and recently passed his Nidan (2nd Dan) test in 2024. At present Justin San wants to concentrate on his training and feels he is not ready to become Sensei. He still has an excellent technical ability and work ethic. He is also a good fighter who is not afraid of getting stuck in!
Shidoin Ian Burnage
Ian San has just recently been promoted to Shidoin in MKKI, and his learning how to become an instructor for the Kobudo school. He is a valuable member of class and helps other students as much as possible. We hope that he develops into an excellent instructor.
Past Dan Grades
The students below are some who had achieved their Dan grades but now have moved on to other things. Sometimes this happens, especially with juniors as other subjects become more important to them, such as their studies, other sporting practices and involvement in their social lives.
Chris Bateman
Stuart Bateman
Michael Dean
Beccie Johnson
Stephinie Howey
Peter Shepperson
Richard Downs
Marc Faux