REDDITCH-based Sensei Dave Treadwell was awarded his 6th Dan black belt by Grandmaster Freddy Kleinschwaerzer 10th Dan on a memorable weekend for the martial artist.
Sensei Treadwell was presented with a certificate to mark the achievement as a staggering 27 testimonials were read out, submitted by martial artists from around the world who have competed, trained or been trained by Treadwell.
He has spent 38 years training in Shotokan Karate and has won World and European titles along the way, including some with a broken hand, thanks to his dedication and unique fighting style.
Sensei Treadwell said: “Words cannot describe not only the grade but the kind words of all the people that took time to write these testimonials. It’s a day I will never forget.
“I would like to thank all FSK students past and present.
“Every person that I have had the chance to teach, train and compete with has been part of my journey to obtaining my 6th Dan (Rokudan).
“I was also honoured by two separate associations in the UK and Okinawa with Shihan status.”
His grade was validated by: Grandmaster Freddy Kleinschwaerzer 10th Dan, Grand Master Len Norman 7th Dan , Grand Master Andy Thompson 7th Dan, Master Chris Hemstock 6th Dan, Master Emma Elmes 6th Dan and Master Harri Peck 5th Dan.
And Treadwell has since been awarded Shihan status from Okinawa – an honorific title for expert, master or senior martial arts instructors and is created using two Japanese characters.
These are shi (師) meaning example or model and han (範) meaning master or exemplary practitioner. A shihan has command of the material and can apply that knowledge to innovate and lead.
That came after Sensei Treadwell travelled down to Norwich on Father’s Day to sit on a panel of world-recognised Sensei’s to grade two students for their 1st and 2nd Dan’s.
The panel included some of those who validated Treadwell’s grade and he was honoured to be asked to sit on the panel as Lucy Findley passed her 1st Dan and Evie Swann passed her 2nd Dan after a two-hour examination.
For more information on Furi Sutairu Karate and joining Sensei Treadwell email him directly at: [email protected]
