31 January 2017
We wuld like to congratulate Stephen Mann on achieving his goal of 1st Dan black belt. Stephen started training with us in Aberdeen after a lengthy break from Judo due to a bad back and ever increasing work commitments. Coming back on the mat it was evident how much he had missed it and it took only a few weeks to get over the mental battle often associated with coming back from injury. He has been chipping away at points towards his black belt as well as getting his technical knowledge up to the standards expected by the governing body. After picking up points at various national gradings he travelled to Edinburgh in November 2016 with a new focus and goal in mind, win by lineup. Line ups are the hardest way to gain promotion. A player has to win 2 out of 3 fights by ippon, the top score to enter them into a line up. 3 players of same grade, 1 after the other only progressing if you beat the last by full point. stephen did so in spectacular fashion with the best Judo he has produced. what a day to pull it out the bag. On return to the club he worked tirelessly to get his theory up to standard and in December he passed a strict practical exam overlooked by Bill Berry MBE, 7th Dan.
The commitment and attitude to training that Stephen has shown is excemplary and inspiring. Way to go mate, we are all proud to have been part of the journey so far....now New goals to set and smash!!
Here is a photo of Stephen after being awarded his black belt in class with Gordon
25 March 2025
21 March 2025
