A dedicated Rochdale teenager has officially qualified as a karate instructor after completing an intensive coaching programme, earning the title of Sensei.
Diya, a student at the Dojo Karate Centre, was presented with her Dojo Instructor Certificate during a recent coaching seminar. The rare qualification is usually valued at around £7,000 but was awarded free of charge following Diya’s full completion of the centre’s in-house training scheme.
Her success comes after months of rigorous assessments and coursework, including first aid training, safeguarding certification, risk assessment evaluations, and situational-based teaching tests. The programme is designed to prepare young coaches for real-world teaching scenarios, with a strong emphasis on communication, health and safety, and inclusive instruction.
Hanshi Irfan Ansari, lead instructor at the Dojo Karate Centre, praised Diya’s commitment to excellence.

“Diya’s approach is outstanding. She’s organised, focused, and has a natural talent for coaching both younger and older members,” he said. “Her ability to adapt her communication style, offer praise, and build strong bonds with students shows maturity and dedication. I’m very proud of her.”
Diya’s achievement has also been warmly celebrated by her parents, who supported her journey throughout the process. They were credited by Hanshi Ansari for recognising the value of the coaching programme and helping her stay the course.
The Dojo Karate Centre’s coaching programme is open to a small number of candidates each year. It aims to create the next generation of martial arts instructors by combining technical training with teaching practice and pastoral care responsibilities.
Bartender has alcohol license revoked due to drink driving
Radcliffe child sex offender jailed for life after abusing five children
Conservatives select Emma Lee as candidate for Tottington by election
Bowlee car boot sale returns for the 2026 season
Inside the major refurbishment transforming Tenpin Rochdale
Former Middleton pub could reopen as convenience store after closure
Councillors raise concern over Riverside Housing sale of social homes in Middleton
Heywood community raises £1799.65 as Donna Dolan shaves hair for Macmillan
Road closure in Ramsbottom
Rochdale families urged to shape national consultation on keeping children safe online
Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’
Silver Street offices approved as temporary housing

Comments
Add a comment