Karate instructor Mark Holding, who runs a group of Mitsuru karate clubs under his name, was recently promoted to 7th dan black belt at a ceremony in Manchester.
Mark, who has run Penrith Karate Club since 1994 and is chief instructor of the Mitsuru group, started his martial arts journey in 1972 with judo and tae kwon do.
He is a former police officer, having served for 30 years with Cumbria Constabulary before retiring in 2013.
He now teaches six days a week and usually the seventh day is spent with his squad at a competition or at regional or national squad training sessions.
Mark’s elevation to the lofty rank of 7th dan black belt recognises his continued work and commitment to the teaching and development of karate — and promotion of its ethos — not only locally but on a regional and national level as well.
The term dan is Japanese for step and is used to rank advanced skill levels.
Mark is the northern regional kumite (sparring) coach, which is part of the England team coaching structure. In 2022 he was voted coach of the year in the Cumbria Sports Awards.
Previously, Mark was an active competitor, winning many national level medals over three-and-a-half decades of fighting, including the British title on two occasions.
Now, after nearly 50 years of martial arts involvement, Mark says his current priority is the progress of students.
“Every week my focus is on developing students in the clubs and maintaining a high level of good traditional karate,” he said. “My role is to ensure this is delivered at all of the clubs, which is easy with the great team of instructors that I have.”
Mark currently has 12 national team members, two of who have represented England at world and European level.
“My greatest enjoyment is seeing the kids and young adults doing well at competitions or grading successfully within the club,” he said. “Mitsuru clubs continue to grow, with new club locations planned in 2025 and further projects proposed with local entities.
The Mitsuru group has clubs at Penrith, Appleby, Carlisle, Dalston, Sedbergh, Keswick and Shap, with others opening next year.
“My main ambition for 2025 is to find a long-term sponsor to assist in getting the main squads to domestic competitions within this country,” said Mark. “The successful sponsor’s opportunities would include having their logo on kit as well as massive social media coverage across several platforms.
“This year alone we have had 10 national champions and attended nine international events across Europe and the Middle East.
“Mitsuru karate continues to flourish. Weekly classes are attended by people aged four to 70, with sessions provided for all age groups across all clubs. There are currently 350-plus members in training.”
Anybody seeking to develop fitness and self-defence skills, build confidence or give kids problem solving and conflict resolution skills should contact Mark for details.
Any sponsors can call 07703100868 or email mitsurukarate@gmail.com
