Karate Katelyn: Strathallan student earns second black belt in Scotland

Published by Strathallan School on Wednesday 4th of January 2023

Strathallan student Katelyn T has earned her Shodan black belt in Chito Ryu Karate less than five years after achieving her junior black belt.

Katelyn, who began practicing Chito Ryu ten years ago in Hong Kong was thrilled to find out she could continue her practice in Scotland when she chose to study at Strathallan School.

Training with Scottish Chito-Ryu she has now earned her adult black belt, making her eligible to train others in the sport she loves.

Katelyn said Chito Ryu Karate has given her a greater appreciation of balance and focus, attributes she uses daily in her academic studies and beyond the classroom.

Katelyn said:

“I fell into karate by accident but since I started I never looked back. Chito Ryu is all about balance and it feels amazing to have continued with it and become Shodan.”

Alongside practicing Chito Ryu, Katelyn is also the school’s Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in charge of all three sections of Combined Cadet Force at school and an active Captain of the award-winning Strathallan Swim Team, regularly competing at national and district meets.

Audrey Sime, Deputy Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding, said,

“Ever since she joined the school Katelyn has been an exemplary student. It’s fantastic to see her achieve such a huge success in Scotland. Her efforts are already inspiring other pupils. Well done Katelyn.

“We are extremely grateful to Mr Paul Hynd and Mr Donald McElwee who run the Karate club at Strathallan, their hard work is very much appreciated.”