Ilkley Karate Club instructor Mark Outterside has achieved his long-term ambition of becoming one of the youngest high-ranking karate exponents in England and one of the top instructors within the Shukokai Karate Union.
The 44-year-old from Ilkley was awarded his Rohu (sixth dan black belt) for his services to the Shukokai Karate Union over the past 29 years.
The prestigious rank was awarded following a week of intense training on an instructors’ course in Spain.
The last grading Mark took, and passed with flying colours, was back in 2003 and therefore, under the strict guidelines of karate, he had to wait a minimum of six years before being eligible to move up a grade.
In addition, Mark was also recently awarded the Rotary Community Service award for the work he does for the youth of Ilkley and surrounding areas.
Also on the course was Ilkley student Robert Toole, who successfully passed the grade of first degree black belt.
He now holds two black belts in different styles of karate, although his previous dan grade was attained over 20 years ago.
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