Irfan receives prestigious Black Belt 8th Dan

Sensei Irfan Ansari

Sensei Irfan Ansari, the head instructor at the Dojo Karate Centre, has received his Black Belt 8th Dan at a special event in Norwich.

Irfan, who runs classes in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton, was praised for all the hard work he puts into helping his members and for the staying power he has shown over the years to still keep his motivation high in order to help youngsters achieve greater things in life.

His award was verified and adjudicated by a council of high ranking Instructors from the UK and from around the world at a special Black Belt Grading in Norfolk recently.

The Grading Panel was made up of a 10th Dan (Germany), three seventh Dans (UK), four sixth Dans (UK and South Korea), a fourth Dan (UK) and a third Dan (Spain/UK).

Sensei Ansari would like to thank all the people who he has mentored over the many decades, with particular thanks going to Isshaaq, Huseyn, Jacki, Maison and Diya for providing touching testimonials to support his 8th Dan award that was organised by Huseyn, who also accompanied him on the trip to Norwich.

Huseyn played a key role in providing evidence required by the Grading Panel in support of the Sensei's award.

The 8th Dan certificate and belt was presented to Sensei Ansari by Chris Hemstock (UK Head of the NMACGB, and organiser of the European and World Championships).

Sensei Ansari hopes to continue with revived motivation to keep sharing his vast knowledge and a deeper understanding of raising martial arts performance in his pupils.

He said: "To receive this award is a milestone in my life.

"I want to keep sharing my knowledge to build brighter kids and improve our community - this is the most satisfying aspect of my job."

Sensei Ansari is now the highest ranked Black Belt in the NMACGB and among the very few in the UK and Europe.

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