Sergeant_brianna

Jeff Green | Sep 13, 2012

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 13, 2012 New 13-year-old sensei in Sharbot Lakeby Julie Druker

Photo: 3-year-old Sensei Brianna Sergeant, member of the SLK Karate club in Sharbot Lake, received her first degree black belt on August 29

Though not one to boast, 13-year-old Brianna Sergeant of Sharbot Lake certainly could if it was in her nature. Brianna, who is entering grade eight at Sharbot Lake High School, has been studying karate at Sharbot Lake's SLK Karate club since she was seven years old. On August 29 this year, she received her first degree black belt and is now Sensei Brianna - quite a feat for someone her age. In fact the only other person to do so under 16 years of age in the World Kobudo Federation in this district was her instructor Nicole Greenstreet.

“Typically in the World Kobudo Federation practitioners under 16 grade for a junior black belt”, said Michelle Greenstreet, Nicole's sister, who also instructs at the SLK club. Michelle attended Brianna's grading at Perth District Martial Arts on August 29 in place of Nicole, who unfortunately was unable to attend.

Michelle said, “We asked at the grading meeting if Brianna could grade at the same level as the five adults there, knowing exactly what she was capable of and the judges agreed. Brianna not only demonstrated that she was as capable as the adults, but in some cases surpassed them.”

In fact, at the over three-hour grading session, Brianna was the only practitioner who broke six boards in a row. She also demonstrated numerous drills, katas, self-defence sets, pressure points, take downs, throws, and spurring.

Asked how she feels, Brianna said that she is “happy, proud and also relieved”. She is now looking forward to continuing her training and teaching at the club in Sharbot Lake. She has since taught an adult class alongside Michelle and will also be teaching the after school classes at the club.

The benefits of karate include overall health and fitness, increasing one’s ability to focus and overall discipline and increasing self confidence- all qualities that Michelle says Brianna has continued to develop over the years. “She really knows her stuff, has a lot of focus and determination, has put in a lot of time and has rarely ever missed a class”, Michelle said. “When she puts on her gi (karate uniform) and stands in front of the class, she shows a lot of confidence. There are a lot of adults who cannot stand up in front of a class, maintain control of it and teach as well as she can”, Michelle said.

Brianna said that the most memorable moment of the day “was definitely when they presented the belt to me. It is the same belt that Sensei Nicole's instructor handed down to her when she graded, and the same one Michelle received when she graded, which she then passed down to me and that really means a lot to me.”

Her advice to those wanting to take up karate with the goal of succeeding, is to: “ Work hard, stay confident and stick with it.”