Goodnight John Boy

The Walton family discuss whose turn it is to do the dishes.

What?  Not those Waltons?  Sorry...

Hideously dated cultural references aside, I just wanted to say a big congratulations to Eric, Ross and Kate Walton on their grading successes at this past weekend's Adult National course in Larbert.  After an intense weekend of training, Eric is now a 4th Dan black belt, Ross is a 3rd Dan and Kate moves up from brown belt to 1st Dan.  

I've enjoyed training with all of them over the years, with Eric and Ross being part of the club since I joined back in 2007 and it's been great to see them advance through the grades.  Eric has been a great teacher and has given me plenty of encouragement and tips over the years.  Mind you, he is a sneaky so-and-so and you always have to be on your guard when training with him.  

Ross would have been 14ish when I started training so to see him now as a third Dan is really cool.  He's also a lot bigger and stronger than he was back then and has developed into an excellent training partner and coach.

Kate started with the club as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award and enjoyed it so much, she stayed with us and now is a black belt.  As was the case with me back in November, she was delighted to get this.

Now you may be thinking, this is one crazy family.  And you'd be right, but despite eight Dan grades between them and the photographic evidence, they genuinely are really good people.  Well done all of you!

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