Hereford Contact Karate Club and Combat Academy student Daniel Hayes recently made his greatest achievement to date in the world of martial arts by passing his English Contact Karate Association (ECKA) 1st Dan black belt. Daniel aged twelve has been training in karate for five and a half years under the guidance of Instructor Simon Small and has competed successfully at regional and national level, and currently holds the National Title for -16 years of age Freeform.
Following a three hour training seminar in Coventry with ECKA Chief Instructor, Dev Barrett, Daniel had to complete a further two hour grading exam. The examination carefully watched by Dev Barrett 6th Dan and Ray Hoffman 5th Dan (both world kickboxing champions) consisted of demonstrating a range of individual and combination techniques with application, free form and controlled sparring. Sixteen individuals were successful on the day and although being one of the youngest students in attendance, Daniel was rewarded by having the highest pass mark of the day.
