Ipswich karate student Jordan Owen has been awarded his 3rd Dan black belt, passing a rigorous grading examined personally by Master Blackwell (10th Dan) on 2nd August 2026.
The achievement marks one of the highest grades held by any student training within the Urban Combat Martial Arts Academy network, part of Owen Martial Arts.
A 3rd Dan (San-Dan) is a senior black belt grade in karate, typically reached only after many years of consistent training beyond 1st and 2nd Dan.
At this level, students are expected to demonstrate not just technical mastery of kata, kumite and self-defence applications but the maturity, discipline and leadership expected of a senior instructor-track student. Reaching 3rd Dan places a student firmly among the most experienced practitioners in any club.
Jordan Owen's grading was examined by Master Blackwell, a 10th Dan black belt, one of the highest and most respected grades in martial arts. A 10th Dan represents a lifetime of dedication to the art and is typically only held by a small number of senior masters worldwide. Having a grading of this significance personally overseen by Master Blackwell underlines both the seriousness of the assessment and the calibre of instruction available within the Urban Combat / Owen Martial Arts network.
On Sunday 2nd August 2026, Jordan stood before Master Blackwell at Urban Combat Ipswich and demonstrated the full syllabus required for 3rd Dan, including advanced kata, applied self-defence and sparring under pressure. Passing this grading is the result of years of consistent training, resilience and commitment — qualities the whole Urban Combat community is proud to celebrate.
"Reaching 3rd Dan under the examination of a 10th Dan master is a genuine milestone — it reflects not just skill, but character, consistency and years of graft on the mats." — Peter Owen, Founder & Chief Instructor, Urban Combat Martial Arts Academy
Grading achievements like Jordan's aren't just personal milestones — they reflect the strength and standards of the wider Urban Combat and Owen Martial Arts network across Ipswich, Colchester, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, and Leiston. Every student on the mats, from beginners to black belts, trains within a lineage that traces back to the Ipswich Karate Club (1967) and EKKA (founded 1974) and gradings of this level show that heritage is still very much alive today.
Q: What grade did Jordan Owen achieve? A: Jordan Owen was awarded his 3rd Dan black belt in karate.
Q: When was Jordan Owen's 3rd Dan grading? A: The grading took place on 2nd August 2026.
Q: Who examined Jordan Owen's 3rd Dan grading? A: The grading was examined by Master Blackwell, a 10th Dan black belt.
Q: Where does Jordan Owen train? A: Jordan Owen trains at Urban Combat Martial Arts Academy in Ipswich.
Q: What is required to reach 3rd Dan in karate? A: 3rd Dan requires advanced kata, applied self-defence, and sparring ability, along with years of consistent training and demonstrated leadership beyond 1st and 2nd Dan level.