Kanazawa Budo Club has had a great start to 2009 and seen promotion for two of its senior instructors. Kyoshi Paddy Swallow celebrated his 40th year in judo by being promoted to seventh dan (Shichidan), while Sensei Scott Thurston gained his third dan (S

Kanazawa Budo Club has had a great start to 2009 and seen promotion for two of its senior instructors.

Kyoshi Paddy Swallow celebrated his 40th year in judo by being promoted to seventh dan (Shichidan), while Sensei Scott Thurston gained his third dan (Sandan) in his 20th year in the martial art. The two grades were awarded by Soke Kevin Pell, ninth Dan of the club's governing body, Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu.

Kyoshi Paddy, who began training at age four, explained the importance of the award. "This means everything to me - it's recognition for 40 years of martial arts. I am very proud."

Sensei Scott also expressed his pride at being promoted to third Dan.

"Judo is basically my life, so it is something I am very proud of. For Kyoshi Paddy to think I am ready to be a third Dan is a real honour," said Sensei Scott, who received recognition for the time he dedicates to the martial art. He began attending judo classes at age four, and now coaches juniors four nights a week.

The Kanazawa Budo Club runs all judo within Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu and coaches over 200 youngsters a week in seven different venues across the region.

In March this year the club held the second Ishin Ryu Judo Championships in Huntingdon, which saw some 150 competitors take part ranging in age, from five-year-olds to those in their forties.

INFO: www.kanazawabudo.com or call Kyoshi Paddy Swallow on 07764861455 or Sensei Scott Thurston on 07787820512.