FOUR students from the Braintree-based Yong Gi Do Karate Club achieved their Junior First Dan black belts at Rayne Village Hall.

Black belts were awarded to 11 year-olds Lee Hood, Angel Meydan and Jack Shepherd and 12-year-old Oliver Ritchie.

Their belts were presented after completing a written test, a fitness test and a gruelling four hours of basics, forms, self-defence and fighting by Yong Gi Do Chief Instructor Master Kate Malyon.

Malyon said: “We are immensely proud of how these four students performed in a very challenging grading and for achieving their black belts, a day they will always remember I am sure.”

Students have to train for a minimum of four years and be at least 11 to be eligible for to grade to black belt.