York ace acquires fifth Dan accolade

Black-belt Wright attained his fifth Dan at an intensive, international grading session in North Wales, attended by 60 other Shotokan karate students from all over the world.

The Fitness First teacher had to perform two kata set pattern of movements and then be the dominant fighter in four contests against international opponents.

He was also required to train for eight hours before the grading and participate in another coaching session afterwards - all under the watchful eye of Japanese eighth Dan Shihan Akihito Isaka.

The hard work proved worthwhile, however, and Wright is now contemplating whether to pursue his sixth Dan next.

European grading usually ends at seventh Dan, while the Japanese award ninth Dans and, in exceptional circumstances, posthumous tenth Dans.

About his future aspirations, Wright added: "It would be nice to go higher and I might try for the sixth Dan but I'm not getting any younger and you have got to wait another six years, just as I had to wait five for this grading and four for the one before that.

"You've also got to then wait for an international course you can attend."

He first started practising karate after he saw a demonstration by a girl in a field at a local village fair back in 1973.

Wright went on to fight for his country in the World Championships and competed in international tournaments in Moscow and Holland.

He later coached the Japan Karate Association's England junior squad during competitions in Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Holland and Moscow.

Wright also taught karate in Wigginton and, for the last six years, has been employed by Clifton Moor's Fitness First gym, where he runs weekly training sessions.

The hour-long classes take place on a Thursday night with an emphasis on fitness and self-defence rather than aggression and competition.

Sessions are free for Fitness First members and available at £4.50 for other members of the public.