Name: Stephen Franklin
Course: BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Skills
The local Ju-Jitsu world was taken by storm by our 18-year-old learner Stephen Franklin.
Stephen has been a member of the Barking & Hornchurch Ju-Jitsu Club for the last eight years, and for the past two years has been training for his Junior Black Belt.
Over the summer, Stephen was assessed for his Junior Black Belt, but the judges were so impressed that they awarded him the Senior Black Belt 1st Dan instead. This means that he has leapt 6 belts, or grades, and is the first time in the Club’s 25-year history that his has happened.
Stephen now has the title “Sensei” (pronounced Sen-See) at the Club, which means “teacher instructor”.
Stephen will now be aiming for his 2nd Dan status, and his family couldn’t be more proud.
“It completely took us by surprise, and all his effort and hard work has repaid him well,” his Mum Sharon told us.
“It proves that if you have the focus and determination to do something, it can be done.”
Feedback from Stephen’s tutors confirm that he is also doing equally well at College.
