Hard work and dedication have paid off for five Bermuda Uechi Ryu Academy students who all passed Junior Black Belt Grading with flying colours.

Tre Simmons, Will Spriggs and Tobiah Goodchild all attained the rank of junior black belt, while Jayden Spriggs and Jaydon Lambert became junior brown belts during the academy’s awards ceremony held at Bermuda Athletic Association Gymnasium.

“I am extremely pleased and proud of their performances and it’s a testament to what hard work and consistency can produce,” master David Goins, the chief instructor, told The Royal Gazette.

“The grading was overseen by grandmaster Al Wharton who flew in especially for the occasion and to present the successful candidates with their respective belts. Al Wharton resides in the United Kingdom and is head of International Uechi-Ryu Karate Federation and the Oversight Committee.“

Goins also thanked all those who helped make the event a resounding success.

“I would like also to take this opportunity to thank sensei William Spriggs and sensei Michael Wellman who worked behind the scenes ensuring things were organised and running smoothly,” he added.

“I would also like to express gratitude to sensei John O’Doherty and sensei Yulanda Francis for their continued support and dedication to our students ensuring their success, as well as to the parents who assisted in helping set up the venue.”

The Junior Black Belt Grading and Awards Ceremony highlighted the academy’s senior students who were all tested by instructors on the final set of junior black belt protocols required to advance within the organisation’s foundational Uechi Ryu system.

The Bermuda Uechi Ryu Academy operates under the leadership of master Goins who is assisted by senseis William Spriggs, O’Doherty, Wellman, Francis and Sifu Eugene Ford. All were trained by grandmaster Wharton, who introduced Uechi Ryu to Bermuda in 1977.

Uechi Ryu emphasises toughness of body, simplicity and stability, employing upright stances, circular blocks, open hand and low-kicking techniques.

The academy’s primary goal is to teach the true meaning and traditions of martial arts; foundational Uechi Ryu in the traditional manner and with a practical approach for today’s modern age, inclusive of moral integrity, physical fitness, strength of spirit, discipline and self-control.