Cath Smith, leader of Caithness Kut Sur Won, has become the highest ranking female leader of the Korean martial arts system in Scotland.
Cath travelled to Norwich to receive her promotion to 6th degree black belt from 10th degree black belt Grandmaster Kuk Sa Nim In Hyuk Soo, making her one of only two women in the UK to hold the rank of 6th degree black belt.
She started Kuku Soul in November 1990, the same year the Caithness club was launched.
Cath (67) said: “We have to thank Fr Martin Ducker (8th degree) and Fr Donald Mackenzie (7th degree) who brought Kussulwong to Caithness in 1990.”
“And I must mention my master Allison Ducker, 7th degree black belt, who was a huge inspiration to all women in our arts and who unfortunately passed away in November 2021.
“I would also like to congratulate Shihan Don McKenzie on his promotion to 7th degree black belt.”
Earlier this year pupils from the Thurso-based school travelled to Bathgate, West Lothian for the annual Scottish tournament and national tests.
Second degree black belt Fraser Martin tested for third degree, while first degree black belts Ellis Macdonald and Markus Pinzariu tested for second degree black belts.
Amber Farquhar, Adam McDonald, Maria Pinzariou, Cassian Damian and Mackenzie Sutherland all tested towards their first degree black belts.
All participants took part in a 2.5 hour test where they put into practice everything they had learned from white belt to the latest skills.
“They have all done the school proud with their performances and we are hopeful they will be promoted next year,” Cass said.
The students underwent tests in kata, techniques, sparring and weapons before taking part in the tournament.
Results: Ellis McDonald, 4th place sparring, 1st degree black belt, ages 15-17. Markus Pinzariou, 4th place staff form, 1st degree black belt, ages 13-14. Calder McDonald, 2nd place sparring, 1st degree black belt, ages 13-14.
Adam McDonald, 5th line brown and black belt, ages 9-12 and up, 4th place in sparring, 4th place in staff division. Maria Pinzariou, 5th line brown and black belt, ages 9-12 and up, 3rd place in staff division, 3rd place in sparring.
Cassian Damian, five stripes brown and black, ages 9-12 and over, fourth place in form division. Mackenzie Sutherland, four stripes brown and black, ages 13-17 and under, fourth place in technique division.
Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at the E' Shed, on Neighbour Road, Thurso.
Sessions run hourly, from 6pm to 7pm for ages 4 to 8, 7pm to 8pm for ages 9 to 12, and 8pm to 9pm for ages 13 to adults.
For more information about the club please call 07788 744298 or 01847 894471.
