TWO students from Chikara Basingstoke Shotokan Karate Club have successfully passed their black belt examinations.

Phoebe Laurence and Daniel Oliver both succeeded in the tough examination at a special training and grading session held at Bath University.

The test was conducted by the head of the Japan Karate Association England, Sensei Yoshinobu Ohta.

Both 12-year-old Laurence and 28-year-old Oliver put in a great deal of effort over the past four years to earn their black belt status.

Laurence began training when she was just eight and has shown remarkable dedication and commitment to her training.

Oliver finished third in his category at the Japan Karate Association England National Championships last year.

Chikara Shotokan Karate Club is based at Brighton Hill Community School and meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Anyone interested in taking up karate should contact the club’s chief instructor, Rob Sibley, on 07917 595129.