On a sunny, balmy Sunday morning on the 20th of June, 22 hopeful canditates made their way to the INTA Headquarters in Exchequer Street, Dublin for the first of two black belt gradings in 2010. The grading started on time, at 10am, and the INTA grading panel of Master O'Toole, Master Douglas and Master Martin put the black tags through their paces. Fundamental movements, kicking techniques, patterns, step sparring and self defense were all tested and each of the candidates showed the hard work they had put in. After the black tags, three first degrees from Navan and Cork presented for 2nd degree, followed by three for 3rd degree.

Mr Denis Gannon and Mr Chrisy Fagan tested for 5th and 6th degree respectively. This was the first time in INTA history that a grading for 6th degree took place.

AFter the sparring, theory and power test, the three examiners took time to consider the results and after an anxious wait, they returned and announced the promotions. All candidates successfully passed.

Congratulations to all newly promoted blackbelts.