THERE was a 100 per cent pass rate at the Stock Karate Club grading.

Twenty-four students passed their kyu-level grading at the Thundersley-based club.

Examiner sensei Bob Poynton (an eighth dan) travelled from Liverpool to test the students.

And not only did he pass everyone, he gave two students a double grade, leap-frogging their first belt orange straight to red (eighth kyu).

For three youngsters it was their last grading at the club. The next time they grade will be for their black belt which will be at a special course where students from all over the country will be tested.

Meanwhile, members of the club showed off their skills in a major team kata contest.

Local fighters travelled to Bracknell in Berkshire to the Legends karate competition.

They scooped silver trophies and medals. The team kata event only just elluded the Stock fighters who missed gold by just 0.1 of a mark.

Stock instructor, sensei Adam Purkiss, said: “We are very pleased to have walked away with second place as this was the first time we’ve performed as a team.

“We were competing against the elite from different karate associations and international teams from Belgium and Scotland.

“For our single club to come second, was a great achievement – especially since two of our team were competing against people half their age.

“This proves karate really does keep you fit and active.”

Meanwhile, two students from the Stock club passed their black belt grading at Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

Lisa Ironman, 22, and Louise Hardy, 16, passed their first attempt at their black belt (dan grade).

Club Instructors Sensei Adam Purkiss and Graham Skarott were present and said both woman have been training three times a week to prepare for this event and their hard work and dedication had paid off.

Echo:

Lisa Ironman and Louise Hardy