HARD working students at a six-year-old karate club have gained black belts in the sport.
Luke Turnbull and Michael Whitehead, of the Easingwold Shotokan Karate Club, have gained the honour after a recent grading ceremony.
The duo were at the club’s first ever class at the Galtres Centre in 2003 and they were graded by for the black belts by Sensei Dave Hazard.
Sensei Hazard is recognised as one of the UK's leading karate specialists.
Luke, 13, said: "It was really daunting. Every move we made was watched incredibly closely and the examiners' faces gave nothing away."
Michael, 14, added: "The worst part was standing outside the room afterwards while they made up their minds. It seemed like forever."
The club now has three black belt students and its instructor Sensei Grahame Hunter said he was proud of the duo’s success.
For details about Easingwold Shotokan Karate Club contact Grahame Hunter on 0796-2256-826 or visit www.byakkoeasingwold.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here