ILKLEY Karate Club, now celebrating their 31st year, welcomed nine new black belts to their ever-increasing black-belt group in 2019.

One of the oldest karate members, Ravi Thirunavukkarasu, also set a new record, not only with the Ilkley club but also Shito Ryu Shukokai Union, by passing his black belt a month prior to his 75th birthday, which is a remarkable achievement nationally.

In May club members Tony Wright and Ravi passed their black belts with flying colours.

Tony gained the highest pass for adults while Ravi was made the record for the oldest student to attain his well deserved black belt.

In December seven students also achieved their long term goal by gaining their black belts.

Emily Wormald, aged 12, Sophia Leach, aged 14, and adults Sharon MacIntyre, Simon Lund, Kevin Renshaw and Ian Richards passed the grade of first degree black belt while 17-year-old Louis Fielding gained the higher level of second degree black belt.

They all now join the elite ranks within the Shito-Ryu Shukokai Union (SSKU).

The Ilkley students all achieved their long-term ambition after successfully completing six hours of mental and physical endurance.

The national black-belt gradings are held in Manchester, and students from all the clubs in the association are graded by four of the highly distinguished England Karate chief instructors graded by the Japanese hierarchy.

Ilkley Karate Club instructor Mark Outterside said: “You really need to prove yourself both technically and physically these days, and if you do pass the grade of black belt, especially in our style of karate, you feel you have earned it.

“The Ilkley club has worldwide connections and in March six of the Ilkley members will be heading to Japan for the fourth time to train, grade and compete for two weeks which is a rare opportunity for any karate group in the UK.”

Ilkley Karate Club is one of the longest running in Wharfedale.

For further information contact Mark at mark@ilkleykarate.co.uk