World renowned karate instructor Scott Langley visited Kings­bridge recently to hold a seminar and test two students for their black belt.

Karate practitioners came from London, Wales and Lancaster to train at the Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge. There were two session of 90 minutes each and then a black belt test for Nat Beard and Isobel Garner.

Both did superbly, demonstrating their karate really well and showing great spirit after they had already been training hard for hours before.

Ash Hawkes, who sat with Scott Langley sensei at the examiners table, said: 'It's a really tall order to be tested for Shodan (first degree black belt) and the physical examination is really gruelling, taking a lot of skill and energy from the candidate.'

Jay Hawkes, Isobel's sensei, said: 'Both students did so well, but black is a hard grading and the examiner looks for so much, it's so demanding for them as the bar is very high.'

Although Isobel was unsuccessful on this occasion she did Jay proud and, showing true fighting spirit, she intends to try again soon.

She left the exam with a clear idea on what she needs to work on for the future.

Nat Beard was triumphant and achieved his black belt, but again was given some tips on where more work is required.

WTKO South West are taking new students now and anyone interested should get in touch, go to the website wtkosw.com or call 077925 74745 or 01548 531808.