PETER KIRKWOOD

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I would like to acknowledge the 30 years of outstanding work of Maitland local and Karate Instructor, Peter Kirkwood. To earn a black belt in karate takes 3-6 years of study and training but only 5% of those who start, achieve their initial black belt status. That is what makes it even more impressive that Peter Kirkwood's Kaizen Ryu (kai-zen ru) school in Rutherford sent 7 women for their black belts last weekend and have another seven preparing to take the exam next year. Peter, who opened his school in Maitland in 1993 has taught 10,000 students in the Kaizen Ryu style – which means 'constant improvement'. He is a 7th Degree Black belt himself, so knows what it takes to succeed in the sport. But he loves it. Peter teaches mixed classes and female only classes across all age groups. In Peter's own words he said "I get more out of the sport than I put in. It gives the women such confidence. It's just wonderful." Thank you, Peter, for your decades of exceptional dedication and commitment to the lives of young people and the culture of our Maitland community.