IN May of this year, Heidi Waddington aged 12 and Brian Wilkinson, 79, received their black belts in Shukokai Karate at Knighton Community Centre.

This followed several tough hours of a grading examination and the awards were made by Hanshi Paul Mitchell, 8th Dan, senior instructor for Samurai International.

Knighton Community Centre is the home base of Samurai Red Dragon Karate who practice Shukokai Karate. Karate means 'empty hands' and first came from China to Okinawa via visiting diplomats and traders several hundred years ago.

Heidi is a pupil at John Beddoes High school and has been part of Samurai Red Dragon since she was six. Brian who joined the club several years ago said he finds that Karate keeps him fit and flexible - it's also great for his mind as there are always new techniques and Japanese words to remember.

Both Heidi and Brian's worked hard under the guidance of Sensei Jim Whittington, 5th Dan and Sensei Paul Cornell, 3rd Dan. The training is extremely disciplined but they also have fun along the way. They would both like to progress through the Dan grades too and agree that anyone aged six to 106 should go along too!

Classes are held on Thursdays 6pm - 8.30pm and Saturdays 10.30am - 12.30pm in Knighton - there are also clubs in Kington and Welshpool.

If interested please contact Sensei Jim on 07816926988.