Cara (9) achieves first Dan Black Belt with Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club

Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club has welcomed their newest Shodan, as nine-year-old Cara Calvert achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt.

This phenomenal achievement is made even more special by Cara’s young age and shows enormous potential for her as she progresses in her training.

Cara, from Toomebridge, has trained with the club for over four years in Maghera Leisure Centre and obtained her 1st Dan under the watchful eyes of Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan KUGB.

Her impressive achievement came at the end of the 2026 Zanshin Shotokan Karate Summer course in Kilrea, where members of the club attend nightly training sessions followed by a club grading on Friday evening and Black Belt Grading on the Saturday with Sensei Frank Brennan.

Sensei Terry Geddis congratulated Cara along with the other attendees who had worked hard ahead of the grading, saying: “Congratulations to Zanshin’s newest Shodan, Cara Calvert!

“At only nine years old, Cara is a force to be reckoned with and is capable of going on to considerable accolades within this discipline.

“Her achievement is a result of her hard work, discipline, determination and commitment to her progress within the Shotokan Karate.”

“We look forward to watching her progress in the future!”

Cara’s potential in Shotokan Karate has already been recognised as she previously won competitor of the tournament at Zanshin NI Shotokan’s Cup competition in 2025, won Gold at the Irish Championships and represented the club at the prestigious KUGB National British Championships in Nottingham.

Cara trains multiple times per week alongside her brother, Conor and dad, Jay, across Zanshin’s wide range of clubs.

The Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club is welcoming new students across its dojos from September. For more information on the Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club, please go to their Facebook page or email [email protected].