Black Belt Spirit: Rising to the Challenge

Every year, our Black Belt candidates are asked to complete a personal challenge that pushes them beyond their comfort zone. These challenges are far more than physical fitness. They push our students to demonstrate resilience, planning, discipline, community spirit, and discovering what you are truly capable of.

This year’s candidates embraced that challenge with incredible determination. Between them they ran half marathons, completed endurance events, raised money for charities close to their hearts, and inspired everyone around them through their commitment and perseverance.

As we approach our September grading, we want to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the seven students whose Black Belt Challenges demonstrate the spirit of martial arts an our community.

Kyla Hay

Kyla ran 9 miles, representing the 9 years she has been part of Fife Kickboxing. She chose to support the Stroke Association after seeing the positive impact they had on her grandfather’s recovery following a stroke. Through her determination and training, Kyla completed the challenge and raised an outstanding £579 + Gift Aid for charity.

Crawford Chessor

Crawford took on a unique endurance challenge, running 1 kilometre every hour for 24 consecutive hours in support of CoppaFeel!, a charity that raises awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. His challenge demonstrated commitment, discipline and perseverance, all qualities expected of a future Black Belt. Crawford raised an amazing £1,145 + Gift Aid for his charity.

Rory Talbot

Rory completed four half marathons to raise money for Maggie’s. His first event took place in Amsterdam, the city where he was born, making the challenge particularly meaningful. Through his efforts, Rory raised an incredible £1,250 + Gift Aid for charity.

Callum Durie & Logan Cant

Callum and Logan teamed up fundraising for Cancer Research UK completing a demanding challenge of a 10km run, performing 10 Black Belt exercises after every kilometre. Inspired by their shared Black Belt journey and personal experiences of cancer within their families, they completed the event in just 1 hour 21 minutes and raised a fabulous £295 + Gift Aid for charity.

Neil Chisholm

Neil chose to raise money for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) by completing a demanding endurance challenge consisting of a 10 mile run; a 20 mile cycle; and a further 10 mile run. Having experienced mental health challenges himself, Neil wanted to support a cause that helps others access the support they need. His efforts raised £380 + Gift Aid for the charity.

Christine Harwood

Christine’s Black Belt challenge was deeply personal. Following her own recovery from a stroke in 2017, she chose to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in recognition of the support, research and training that helped her return to an active lifestyle. Her journey to Black Belt is a powerful example of determination, resilience and gratitude. Through her efforts Christine raised £665 + Gift Aid for her charity.

More Than Just Fundraising

These student raised a total of £4,314 + Gift Aid, worth an additional £1,078, for amazing causes close to their hearts. But these challenges are also included in our Black Belt journey because they help our students develop qualities that cannot be measured by a grading score sheet. They learned about commitment, planning, resilience, teamwork, courage, and service to others.

To every single candidate, congratulations. You have already demonstrated so many of the attributes required to wear a Black Belt. The grading day ahead will test your techniques and skills, but the dedication you have shown throughout these challenges has already demonstrated your character.

We are incredibly proud of every one of you. Well done!!