What an achievement for Aron as he makes the grade

Aron Lestas, an 11 year old P.7 student from The Irish Society P.S who travelled to Barnsley on Saturday to take part in the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) national gradings for brown and black belts. INCR39-13

At the event Aron showed the panel of Karate Judges a series of Karate combinations and set moves, along with Kumite, one to one fighting and Kata, a series of complicated karate moves which show skill, speed, power and technique.

The panel of judges including Sensei A Sherry, 9th Dan, Chairman of the KUGB awarded Aron his black belt.

His father Nicholas Lestas, who is also one of his instructors was delighted with his son’s achievements.

“This is a very big achievement for someone so young,” Nicholas told Times Sport.

“The KUGB Black Belt grading is exactly the same regardless of your age. It doesn’t matter if your 8 or 80 the requirements from you are the same.

“Many adults go to pieces at the grading and Aron did really well to hold his nerve in front of such a stringent process.”

Nicholas went on to say: “Much of the credit must go to his chief instructor Sensei Martin Cole. Sensei Cole has inspired Aron over the last year.

“He has given him confidence and devoted time to his training as well as helping him to find the self discipline to excel under pressure.

“I couldn’t praise the attitude and devotion of the Limavady Karate club enough.”

Sensei Cole, head of Limavady Karate Club, praised Aron for his hard work and dedication in working towards his grading.

“Aron Lestas has been part of our small club since we started last year,” he said.

“His dedication and hard work has really paid off and he is the first student in the club to get his Dan (Black Belt) we are really proud of his achievement.”