MALVERN’S Samantha Conway has clinched her first dan karate black belt despite dislocating her knuckles during the exam.
Conway, an assistant instructor with Ultimate Karate, completed the physical aspect and penned an essay on her experiences in the martial art.
She shrugged off the injury to achieve a 95 per cent score and made the five-and-a-half years training worthwhile.
Her chief instructor Neil Bennett said: “I am extremely proud of Sam. She has always been dedicated to her karate and focused on her dream of attaining black belt.
“I have known Sam for many years and I believe she is a shining example to our female students, who admire her, and to our male students, who are wary of her. Some think she can’t handle herself, however, they are always proved wrong!”
In 1997, fourth dan black belt Bennett started Ultimate Karate, which is governed by the National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS).
He currently teaches with Conway on Mondays at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Malvern, and on Tuesdays at Powick Parish Hall.
New students are welcome and can contact Bennett on 07801-846055 or email ultimate-karate@hotmail.co.uk.
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