A Two Dan Martial Artiste

It is rare for a student of one martial art to embrace another of the oriental activities. It is even rarer for that exponent to gain the coveted black belt in both but that is the achievement of Kendal Judo Club veteran Nick Hill at a recent karate grading in Cockermouth.

Nick has been practising judo for nearly forty years and gained his judo black belt in 1972. He won his second dan eight years later. However the 58 year old financial advisor only took up karate seven years ago at the Chojinkai Club in Penrith where he moved up the grades to brown belt. He then moved to a club run by world renowned karate sensei (teacher) 5th Dan Iain Abernethy (also a member of Kendal Judo Club). Iain teaches an advanced form of the discipline and Nick became the first person to pass 1st Dan (back belt) grade . Nick, who is the current British Masters Judo Champion at his weight & age, is used to top level training and competition but he described the three-and-a-half hour practical examination as "hard and punishing." He had to demonstrate to a high level all the normal karate techniques as well as grappling, throwing, locks and strangles and also produce a written essay on a technical aspect of the art. Finally he had to teach a class under close observation before he was awarded his black belt by Iain.

"It was very strenuous and required a great deal of concentration, certainly as difficult as anything I have ever done." said Nick. "I intend to carry on and try to develop my skills in both disciplines." As well as his karate Nick practises judo at the Kendal Dojo, a pre-Olympic training venue for the 2012 London Games.