Macrae was very impressed with the students’ development and enthusiasm shown during the grading, especially the four black belt candidates, Isaac McLeenan, Zac O’Leary, Alyssa O’Leary and James Fern.

“The Subak students have continued to develop a range of skills including iKi FiT for fitness and stick fighting, punches, grappling and blocks, dynamic kicks, self-defence techniques and patterns,” Macrae said.

“A very comprehensive curriculum is being enhanced all the time.”

All students impressed during the gradings. In the beginners grading, a father and daughter team of Leanna and William Mills was a standout, along with Cathy Keevers with an enthusiastic display in all aspects of the beginners curriculum.

Leanna, 13, showed a keen attitude to Jiu Jitsu with her developing skills and being able to ‘roll her father’ to the mat. The students were awarded a promotion to yellow belt.

In the coloured belt grading, all of the students performed at a high level. However, it was Emily Jackson who earned a very special achievement.

She gained her blue belt and first senior ranking. Congratulations Emily.

Shane Dupille continued his development in martial arts, with a dedicated display during the grading, especially in the sparring section where he displayed a true fighting spirit.

He also joined the senior ranks with the attainment of his blue belt.

Other students who demonstrated outstanding skills include Colby Huckel who performed excellent turning kicks and gained his green belt, as well as Caitlin Ryman and Brenton Bealing who completed their pattern with precision and intensity and gained their respective senior yellow belts.

Stephanie Moores continued her rapid progress and completed two gradings in the week and deserved her senior yellow rank.