Over 200 students from the Irish Kenpo Karate Union (IKKU) received an early Christmas present when they passed the national grading, which was held in Tallaght Leisure Centre.

It was a great finish to the 2013 calendar said IKKU Communications Officer, Stephanie O'Connell. 'It is always wonderful to see students of all ages and grades progressing through the syllabus'. The occasion was also marked by the fact that it was the first national grading attended by students from Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland who train in the Ashbourne Club. Instructor Brian Carroll complimented his students on eight months of consistent dedicated training. He described the event as 'a very proud day for all involved'.

Four young students from the Glasnevin Club run by IKKU Chief Instructor Paul Brennan were put through their paces for their black stripe belt. Paul was extremely pleased both with his students' performance on the day and the overall standard at the grading.

Pictured are the successful students from the Ashbourne Club and IKKU instructors at the grading.

Front L-R: Michael O'Callaghan, Aisling Keogh (programme coordinator for S.B.H.I Clonshaugh), Avril Jordan, Gary Mangan, Michael Cooney, Stephen Glynn, Ruairi Bailey, Linda Groome, Keith O'Toole, Brian Geraghty.

Back L-R: Keith Nulty, David Duffy, Eddie Smyth, Darren Yourell, Ronan Collins, Jennifer Collins, Stephanie O'Connell, Paul Brennan (IKKU Chief Instructor), Paul Teeling, Tyrone Butler, David Grattan, John Behan, Tony Duffy, Jason McGoldrick, Brian Carroll.