Jimmy and Blue celebrate karate black belts
In June, Disability Karate Wales, members of the Disability Karate Federation, presented brown and black belt gradings to seven athletes, with a range of impairments. Among those celebrating were Jimmy Webster and Blue Balmforth, who became Britain’s first ever wheelchair users to be graded as black belts.
All candidates had trained hard for almost five years in preparation for the gruelling two-hour demonstration. The grading combined assessments on all of their knowledge and skills in karate. Jimmy and Blue, both from Cardiff, started competing around three years ago. Both were ecstatic about their success.
Jimmy said:
“I started karate just because I had so much time on my hands. Karate is great fun and even though I am unable to do karate as intensely as I would like, I have seen many improvements. I am stronger and mentally sharper and my coordination has definitely improved”.
Blue commented:
“It was a really emotional day for me. I love karate, it has done so much for my self-esteem. I have worked long and hard to get my black belt. The best thing was getting the chance to travel to Germany and coming back with a gold medal”.
Instructor Rob Green said:
“I am so proud of these athletes’ overcoming their personal battles and gaining victories in competitions over the years and now finally the coveted black belt”
Ray Sweeney, Chief Executive of the Disability Karate Federation said:
“We are a registered charity and our aim is to break down barriers through karate, improve lives and create social change. Today is a milestone for disabled people and karate in the UK; Rob and the athletes have changed the perception of disabled peoples’ capabilities. The DKF now has 600 disabled members throughout the country and we are now looking for funding for another 800 who are ready to start right now.”
The Disability Karate Federation (DKF) was conceptualised and started in 2012 by Ray Sweeney. They were officially incorporated in September 2014, with the support of official authorities. In this time over 600 participants have enjoyed regular classes.
The Disability Karate Federation’s KickStart 100 Project has a syllabus especially adapted for people with a learning disability and another for wheelchair users, which replaces kicks with adapted techniques and lead each athlete towards the coveted Black Belt.
The lively and fun classes are taught by Disability Karate Federation (DKF) Coaches throughout the country. The DKF provide each athlete with a free karate suit, free belt, free licence booklet, free insurance and the first three months of training.
See more in one of the below videos.
Watch the video here https://vimeo.com/93059368
Watch the video here https://vimeo.com/93149444
