A seventeen-year old from St Albans recently received his black belt award after proving to his Senior Sensei's he was worthy of the grade.

Joseph Allen started his training with Tigers Shotokan Karate in St Albans at the age of 12 and at the school's recent grading, but despite being put through some gruelling techniques, Mr Allen came out on top.

Mr Allen said: "I enjoy my training - the clubs Sensei's are encouraging and inspiring. I have been very lucky to have had the opportunities to train with the world renowned Japanese Master of Shotokan Karate Sensi Hirokau Kanazawa.

"He was inspirational in my karate journey, giving me the confidence to be more determined in training hard for my black belt.

"I also put Karate forward as one of my four sports for my PE GCSE in which I made a filmed video demonstration and scored full marks.

"I also chose Karate coaching as part of volunteering section for my Duke of Edinburgh Award where I helped coached younger members of the club. This has helped me to develop my teaching and people skills - it is my way of giving something back to the club."

Joseph's instructor Vando De-Bellis said: "Joseph is an outstanding student he has worked diligently and is focused, the confidence he has and all these skills will set him up in good stead for whatever lies ahead."