They are trained by British Judo Association Coach and Referee, Carol Leverton, and with Carol's experience and enthusiasm RNC's Judo Academy has developed and Judoka (Judo participants) numbers have expanded.
Carol is also supported in class by experienced student athletes Evie Gormley and Kieran Clarke. Evie competes internationally for Wales and is on the Paralympic pathway whilst Kieran is training to become a coach.
All students are progressing through the grading syllabus and on Wednesday, following grading which all students passed, new belts were presented by the College's Executive Principal, Lucy Proctor.
Before the presentation, Carol said:
'It's been an absolute delight and privilege to coach this group this year especially as I've had Kieran and Evie with me who have helped me so much. It's given me the opportunity to walk around and get to know all of you. Kieran and Evie have been absolutely outstanding and helped everyone in the group. Thank you!'
Lucy then stepped on to the mat to award the individual belts and to congratulate everyone on their outstanding achievements.
Carol then announced a surprise for Kieran, as she had made very special arrangements to award him his Brown Belt, which he received graciously and immediately put it on.
Congratulations to all of the students who received awards and many thanks to Carol for continuing to inspire our students and get them involved in such an inclusive sport.
The picture below shows the group of staff, coaches and students proudly wearing their new belts.
Back row from L-R: Lucy Proctor (Executive Principal), Carol Leverton (Coach), Karan Khurana, Shabaz Mahmood, Kyron Wyatt and Ki Pearce
Front row from L-R: Evie Gormley, Emma Stead, Ayman Hafiz, Aiden Berry and Kieran Clarke