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

Forty-three children were graded by Sensei Stan Knighton (8th Dan) a formerWorld 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 (5th 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 especially when most of the children were under 13 years of age.

Mark singled out the performances of Tashina Earle, Calum Kerr, Jack Hanson, Hannah Hartley, Callum Bruce, and Gillian Balfour.

Jack Davis, Rosie Bridgewater, Sally Bridgewater, and adult Stephen Davis all passed the grade of yellow belt and yellow belt tab.

Jasper Morvardi, Orlando St Clair Charles, Esther Johnston, Lewis Walker, Toby Earle, Amy Sugden, Drew Hanson, Bradley Chapman, Georgina Mann, Thomas Scott, Anna Scott, Jonathan Guild, Gillian Balfour and Rachel Naylor did one better by achieving their orange belt and tab with some good scores throughout.

Calum Kerr, Jack Hanson, William Coates, Sean Burke, Alex Burke, Junaid White and India Nolson-Fearnley gained the grade of green belts, while Hana' White, Callum Bruce, Frankie Johnston achieved 6th kyu green belt and tab.

Sarah Utley, Ben Gibson, Callum Bruce, Frankie Johnston, Hana' White, Hanah Hartley and adult Gareth Smith passed to 5th kyu blue belt tab.

Tashina Earle, Dan Hanzij and Max Laycock passed the grade of purple belt.

Trophies were presented to high scorers of the night.

The top award went to the up and coming star Calum Kerr for the second time as he achieved one of the highest marks in the clubs 15-year history.

Club Instructor Mark Outterside said, 'these results just goes to show how strong the Ilkley club really' is.

The club is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary and these results make the anniversary even more pleasing.

The Ilkley club has now been officially sponsored by Ilkley MOT and Service Station who has kindly donated club track suits to all the clubs competitors.

Anyone interested young or old should contact Mark Outterside on Ilkley 601297 or email info@ilkleykarate.co.uk