TWENTY five students, from clubs all over West Cornwall, were successful at a successful grading assessment held at Helston Lower School on Sunday.

A panel of Black Belt examiners put students from Penzance, Helston, Devoran, Penryn and Camborne through their paces.

They tested the students' knowledge of kicking and striking techniques, sparring and Kata (pre-arranged forms).

Speaking about the grading Senior Instructor Robin Whale (6th Dan) said "The grading panel were looking for application, hard work and determination, and that's what they got".

Gradings are held quarterly and provide, by examination, a series of stepping-stones upon which the student can see his/her own progress through the award of the next coloured belt.

Sandokai karate association teaches and promotes top quality martial arts from clubs in Cornwall and Devon. Sandokai translates as 'School of Three Ways', the three ways or paths being Kihon (training drills), Kata (forms or patterns) and Kumite (fighting).

Full results in this week's issue.