A RUNCORN karate club is celebrating after students achieved their gradings.

English Sangaku Karate Association awarded black belts to 14 pupils in Shotokan Karate.

The awards followed a rigorous four hour grading including Combinations, Kata and Kumite.

The grades awarded by the panel of seniors included 4th Dan to Victoria Mannion, 3rd Dan to Brendan Dolan, 2nd Dan to Ray Millet, seven 1st Dans.

Adam Hamlin, Issy mannion, Rayann Mannion and Andrew Gorell also gained cadet black belts for under 16s.

Approximately 50 other students passed their gradings at various levels.

Sensei Keith Callaghan 8th Dan Shotokan said: “I am very proud to be awarding this grade to Victoria.

"She trains hard and passes her wealth of knowledge on to the students."

Sensei Tom Green 7th Dan Shotokan added: “This is one of the best gradings we have had – the standard is really high.”

Shotokan classes are held at Windmill Hill Primary School on Monday and Thursday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Hillview Primary School.

Jiu Jitsu sessions take place at Hillview Primary School on Thursday from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Goju Ryu classes are held at Moore Scout Hut on Sunday from 7pm to 9pm.

Classes are also held at the Halton Select Stadium in Widnes on Monday and Wednesday at 5.30pm.

English Sangaku Karate Association holds clubs in various styles of martial arts including Shotokan, Goju Ryu and Japanese JiuJitsu across Halton.

For more information e-mail senseimmannion@hotmail.com.