Shannon (10) passes black belt grading

Jan 28 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

Shannon (10) passes black belt grading

SHANNON WEIR is the youngest member of a karate-loving family to receive her black-belt.

The 12-year-old, from Hillhouse, took up the sport at Satori Shoto-kan Karate Club alongside sister Stephanie (18) and step-dad Jim Strang (38).

Stephanie passed her black -belt grading last year, and Jim is set to sit his in March.

Satori instructor Jim Kirkwood reckons Calderside Academy pupil Shannon is one of his top young students and said: “Her progress is very good and for her age she’s up there with the best.

“Shannon has done really well and is really keen.”

Step-dad Jim said: “Shannon has been going to karate for a while now. When I joined, she and Stephanie did too, so you could say we’re keeping it in the family.

“Shannon was chuffed to bits, as she also won an award for the best performance on grading day.”

For more information onSatori Karate Club, call Jim on 07719 323552 or 01698 325666.