A total of 13 students graded to yellow and one graded from yellow to green tip with family and friends there to support them. 

There was no wasting time with a class straight after the belts were given out. 

Trainer John Leak said it was great to see the students embrace what the ceremony was about. 

“I told them to keep your white belt because that’s the start of your path,” he said.

“When they get up to a black belt they can look back to a photo at 8 or 9 years old and say wow this is where I came from.” 

Mr Leak said while many students originally got into the sport because of bullying, they now see the purpose differently. 

“It’s about building self confidence and inner strength,” he said.