STUDENTS at Keiryu Practical Karate have been getting used to new colour belts after making the grade during a week of testing at the club.

The club have sessions in Silver End, Witham, Braintree, Rivenhall and Maldon and students were tested on various aspects of karate, including striking, gripping, locking, throwing, and sparring.

Tests were carried out at John Bunyan Primary School in Braintree, Rivenhall Primary School, Maldon Primary School, Silver End Village Hall, Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon and at Benton Hall Golf and Country Club in Witham.

Overall, there were 56 students taking the tests, with most passing and receiving new belts and certificates.

There were belts presented for the first grade, eighth Kyu - White Belt, ranging up to first Kyu – Brown Belt.

Keiryu Practical Karate instructor, Lee Mullan, is extremely proud of all the students.

He said: “Everyone has worked very hard on the run up to this grading and it has been a real pleasure to see how well everyone continues to develop. "Everyone was tested physically and they were also put under pressure which also tested their determination.”

To find out more about Keiryu Practical Karate, contact Mullan on 07720 258658 or visit www.keiryukarate.co.uk