Martial arts student, 14, shows ‘anything is achievable’

Issmaeel Ansari receiving his third dan certificate from Chief Instructor of The DOJO Karate Centre, Sensei Irfan Ansari

A 14-year-old martial arts student has become the youngest third dan at The Dojo Karate Centre in Rochdale.

Issmaeel Ansari started training at the centre when he was just three and a half years-old – he has now been awarded a certificate after passing his grading with flying colours.

The dan ranking system is a Japanese mark of level. Holders of dan ranks wear a black belt.

Issmaeel’s grading was conducted by Sensei Irfan Ansari (sixth dan) and Sensei Mark Lineker (third dan) and lasted for four hours. Both judges had to arrive at a 100 per cent mark for him to pass.

Chief Instructor Sensei Irfan Ansari, said: “'Issmaeel has set a very good standard for other members of the Club to follow.

“He has shown that with diligent practice anything is achievable.

“His coaching has also improved vastly in the last eight months and will now work towards competing in all aspects of martial arts and also towards his Senior Class Leader qualification which is offered within the Club.”