Students at the karate gradation exam. Picture by Gopal Senapati

Children and older people, learning karate in schools and clubs, appeared for their gradation exam on June 9 at the Mandirtala ground. Children from three years to adults of over 40 years, who learn karate as co-curricular activity or for physical fitness and self-defence, appeared for the exam that was conducted by Howrah District Karate-Do Association. Those who would pass the exam would be promoted to the next belt grade — starting from white to brown belt. “In this exam, the students are tested in their basic practice, hand technique, leg technique, physical fitness and finally in fighting and kata (combination of shadow and fighting),” said Santanu Chandra, the secretary of the association. There were a total of 270 students who appeared for the exam from different schools and clubs. “There are 17 English-medium schools in Howrah where students learn karate and a number of clubs and associations where karate training is given. While school exams are conducted on the premises, we organise this exam for clubs and associations across Howrah district,” said Chandra.