Through dedication, commitment, respect and discipline, he received his Shodan-Ho (Black Belt) a few weeks ago.
The grading took place in Mapleton under the support and leadership of Sensei Garry Edwards (5th Dan, Redlands Shito-Ryu Dojo).
Damien and his family moved from Cleveland to Stanthorpe in May this year and Damien has now started training with Sensei Greg and Sensei Steph at the Randori-Ryu Dojo at the YMCA.
Karate is Damien’s passion and while in Brisbane, he competed at the ISKA World Cup Karate Championships in October 2011 and took a Silver in Kata.
Soon afterwards, he returned to Sydney in December 2011 to complete in the Australasian Championships and came home with a Gold in Kata.
His latest victory was at the National All Style Tournament in May 2012 where he took home a Gold in Kumite.
Through hard work, discipline and respect for the sport, Damien has received the highest reward, a Black Belt.
Damien hopes to master the Randori-Ryu style and has his mind set on taking that all the way to Black Belt too.