24th August 2004- Ernesto's Farewell and Grading
After a year and a half of dedicated training and huge commitment, it is with great regret that we say au revoir to Ernesto who will be returning to Macao.
Ernesto has been an excellent student and a successful competitor, winning a gold for Luton Higashi in the HKK National Championships in 2003.
Ernesto proudly receiving his purple belt!
But it would be unlike the Luton Lunatics to say goodbye quietly! John and Alex decided to give him a final lesson to remember. Unbeknownst to Ernesto, his final lesson was to be his grading as well.
John then put the higher grades through one of the toughest lessons they had ever seen where two existing purple belts (that'll be Jeff and Michelle) had to leave the lesson to retch! But Ernesto battled on and after performing his katas to the class solo was asked to spar with every member of the club, one after the other.
Ernesto (far right) with sparring partners Jeff, Ellie, Enrico, Michelle, Sam and Alex and John at the front.
Ernesto put on an impressive performance and showed spirit through his pain and exhaustion. Sensei John awarded a battered, bruised, but happy Ernesto with his well earned purple belt in a presentation after the lesson.
Congratulations Ernesto and all that's left to say is - make sure you visit us when you're back in England!
