Ilkley Karate Club has welcomed three new members to its ever increasing group of black belts. Simon Holden is the first adult member of the club to gain the status of second degree black belt (2nd dan).

Simon has also been the longest serving member of the club and has now been with the club for 15 years after transferring from another local club.

Fellow club members Tashina Earle (12) and Ken Corless (13) also successfully completed their grading to the rank of 1st degree black belt (1st dan).

The three Ilkley students achieved their long term ambition at the weekend after successfully completing a six hour mental and physical endurance for their black belt examinations held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

They along with many others was graded by three of the most distinguished Karate Chief Instructors in England.

All three showed great confidence and concentration throughout the grading and this showed in the marks that were award. England squad member Tashina attained the highest pass mark for the girls' junior cadet category.

Ilkley Karate Club Sensei Mark Outterside commented: "You really need to prove yourself both technically and physically these days and if you do pass the grade of black belt especially in our style of karate you feel you have earned it. It takes on average four years from beginner to black belt level through the grading system."

Ken and Tashina will now be practising hard for their next black belt grading (2nd Dan) in two years time, however Simon will have to wait another three year before taking his 3rd dan.