ULTIMATE Karate has been established in Malvern for over six years and has clubs across the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Chief Instructor Neil Bennett and his team of black belt instructors have gained a reputation of the highest standard which is recognised by the British Standards Institute and the National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS).

Ultimate Karate held its spring weekend course at Tewkesbury Sports Centre where 11-year-old Mike Edwards successfully earned his 1st dan cadet black belt, after a very demanding grading examination by the chief instructor.

Mike was required to demonstrate his knowledge in all aspects of karate including self-defence and the ability to effectively deal with several armed attackers. He has shown his instructor, family and friends his dedication and determination to success through rigorous training and perseverance. He is a shining example to others of his age what can be achieved, said Mr Bennett.

Assistant instructor Dave Avery gained his 2nd dan black belt after an equally intensive grading examination, in spite of a serious knee injury he carried on to high scores in self-defence and take down techniques.

Other students were also successful and gained advanced levels of brown belt. They were James Thomas (1st kyu) and Lucy Flanders (2nd kyu).

Ultimate Karate had another reason for celebration with the recent annual karate championship held at Powick Parish Hall earlier this month.

Students from all three counties took part in Kumite (Fighting), Kata Individual and team and self-defence, this year's event included Ladies' Kumite in which all female fighter competed for the coveted title and trophy.

The results were: Ladies' champion Ann-Marie Philpotts, Runner-up Jemma Creese; Kumite and Kata champion Malc McClure, Runner-up Dave Avery; Defence champion Ian Glasper, Runner-up Ann Marie Philpotts.

In other sections for Kumite, trophy winners were: Jim McCann, Ryan Mansell, Ben Worth, Dave Rowley, Jemma Creese, Kurt Teal.

Kata Individual event trophy winners were: Jim McCann, Phoebe Gumbley, Ann-Marie Philpotts, Yvette Buttery, Lucy Flanders, Ian Glasper and Alex Beasley.

The Team Kata event winners were: gold medallists captained by Luke Beasley, silver medallists captained by Lucy Flanders and bronze medallists captained by Amy Durrant.

New students of all ages are welcome to train in any of the karate schools, to learn karate combined with the best techniques from Tae kwon Do, Aikido, Ju Jitsu, Lau Gar Kung Fu, Kick boxing and Street Fighting.

For further details please contact chief instructor Neil Bennett on (01684) 567721 daytime, 07801 846055 any time or visit website at www.ultimatekarate.co.uk.