THREE martial arts students have risen in rank following an arduous promotion test.
Quantity surveyor Andrew Young, teacher Kevin Creaghan and Durham University research doctor Richard Thompson had to demonstrate throwing, striking and arm locking methods, and defend themselves against knife, sword and stick attacks, to qualify as first Kyu in Aikido.
The trio were presented with certificates by the British Aikikai and the United States Aikido Federation Belt.
They belong to Durham City Aikikai, one of the North-East's oldest martial arts schools.
To mark the school's 25th anniversary, founder and chief instructor, Arthur Lockyear, a fourth dan black belt, is holding a number of specialist seminars on Aiki weapons skills for senior practitioners of the art.
He will also hold a ten-lesson introductory course for adults at Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate, Durham, starting at 7.30pm on February 5.
Mr Lockyear said: "Although Aikido is a serious study of the martial arts, it is an enjoyable art to practice, and one of the safest of the self defence arts."
For details, go to www.gilesgate.freeserve.co.uk
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