Five students from Tigers Shotokan Karate proved their worth when put through their paces in the grading held at Nicholas Breakspear School in St Albans.

Nick Surridge, Dominique Imber, Arjan Barard, Emily Roe and Ben Praag have all obtained their first dan black belts after three years of intense training.

The grading panel of three senior sensei, who have over 130 years of Shotokan experience between them, were all impressed with the five students.

The group had to demonstrate understanding of their techniques in basics (kikon), application of kata (form) of which there are 27, and sparring (both kihon kumite and jiyon kumite).

If you are interested in Tigers Shotokan Karate contact 01727 840773 or log on to www.tigers-shotokan.org.uk for further information.