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 former world and European Champion. Sensei Knighton is one of the 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 asses 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, Drew Hanson, Orlando St Clair Charles, Laurie Picken and all members of the Johnston family.

Lewis Walker, Bradley Chapman, Jasper Movaridi, Orlando St Clair Charles, Stacey Isherwood, Esther Johnston, Drew Hanson, Robbie Cooper, Georgina Mann, Rachel Naylor and Gillian Balfour passed the grade of Yellow belt tab; they showed a great deal of determination and concentration for their age.

Thomas Scott, Anna Scott, Cameron Brown, Jonathan Guild passed the orange belt while Sean Burke, Jack Hanson, Calum Kerr, Sam Stinton, Josh Spence, William Coates and India Nolson-Fearnley did one better by achieving their orange belt and tab with some good skills throughout.

Junaid White, Daisy Spence, Hannah Abramson, Rebecca Green gained the grade of green belts, while Hana' White, Callum Bruce, Frankie Johnston achieved 6th kyu green belt and tab.

Andrew Holmes, Sarah Utely, Ben Gibson passed to 5th kyu blue belt. Amey Spink, Alison Peel, Sam Finister, Joe Finister, Max Laycock, Edward Brown, Tashina Earle, and Rebecca Utely passed the grade of blue belt tab.

Last years club champion Andrew Johnston and Nikki Corless put yet another good performance by gaining their 4th kyu purple belt, while Laurie Picken became a senior grade by passing his 3rd kyu brown belt.

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.