MIA VAN Der Boon has become the first student at local clubSoaring Eagle Karate to make the journey from white belt to black belt.
The 12-year-old began training in September 2009, shortly after the Cross Roads and Steeton-based outfit was formed and has trained pretty much every week since.
Mia has worked very hard to get to this point, learning kihon (basic techniques), various kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Some of these techniques did not come naturally to her but she showed great determination to demonstrate these skills in front of a panel of senior grades and achieve her black belt.
Oliver Thornton, chief instructor at Soaring Eagle, said: “I am immensely proud of Mia. She has overcome great adversity and has the achievement of a black belt for all of her efforts.”
The club hold classes at Lees Methodist Church, Cross Roads on Tuesdays (6-8pm) and at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Steeton on Wednesdays (children 6-7.15pm, adults 7.30-9pm).
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