Students from Ilkley Karate Club had plenty to celebrate at the recent grading examinations held at the Ben Rhydding Methodist Church in Ilkley.

Thirteen students were graded by Sensei Stan Knighton (8th Dan) a former World and European Champion.

Sensei Knighton is one of highest ranked karate-ka in the UK, and a pass mark awarded by him is one well respected in the karate world.

Club instructor Mark Outterside (4th dan) feels that his students receive a less biased and objective pass mark by getting the top man to assess his students he also feels that he gets the best out of his students.

Mark, himself a former successful English kata and kumite champion was impressed with everyone's performance on the night, as the standard set was very high.

Mark singled out the performances of Helen Sugden, Andrew Drury, Sally Ann Murrell and Michael Neild.

Richard Webb gained his yellow belt, while Ami Woods, Andrew Drury, Ghazala Malik all passed the grade of orange belt.

Jenny Mann and adults Stephen Scott and David Joy achieved their green belt with some good scores

Ten year old Helen Sugden and William Petty together with the adults Sally Ann Murrell and Michael Neild all passed the grade of blue belt with some excellent scores throughout.

Senior cadets Kerry Laycock and Ashley Woodhouse passed the grade of purple belt and second-degree brown belt.

Adult Andrew Drury put in a near perfect performance that enabled him to jump a grade by skipping the yellow belt all together and moving up to orange belt.

Only two students from the Ilkley club have ever achieved this in the clubs 15-year history.

Anyone interested young or old should contact Mark Outterside on Ilkley 601297 or visit the club web site at ilkleykarate.co.uk.

The first three lessons are free for all new beginners.