The Eastern Shotokan Karate Association's Winter Gradings were held at Bannatyne's Health Club and UEA Sportspark. More than 150 members from all over Norfolk were present and all agreed it was a wonderful opportunity to train under one of Japan's leading technicians.

The Eastern Shotokan Karate Association's Winter Gradings were held at Bannatyne's Health Club and UEA Sportspark.

More than 150 members from all over Norfolk were present and all agreed it was a wonderful opportunity to train under one of Japan's leading technicians.

With more than 50 of Eska's members grading for the first time, the standard was set by the novices with a 100 per cent pass rate. David Moreton from Norwich, Alex Nesbitt, Szymon Krukowski, Aaliyah Plummer and Seth McKinnon-Evans were all awarded a double-grade, advancing directly to their orange belts.

Other distinction passes included Alexandra Lord and Mario Gomez from Norwich and Jason Hermanns from North Walsham, gaining red.

George Bescoby from Eaton and Chloe Leroy from Norwich achieved Yellow, Matthew Cullumbine from Stokesby gained Green and Megan Coe from Sprowston passed purple.

Chief Instructor Jason Hitchings, fifth dan, was delighted with the high standards achieved and said: 'The students have worked extremely hard towards their gradings and their efforts have been rewarded with the high standards they have all shown. All of our students have achieved beyond expectation.'

Just before Christmas 34 Eska students also successfully passed their dan grading, making this the biggest and most successful black belt grading in Eska history and taking the club's black belt tally up to an all time record of 107.

All students were elated with their achievements, none more so than the family members grading together.

Liam and Georgia Feeney from North Walsham (brother and sister), Sarah and Alice Heffer from Norwich (mother and daughter), Samantha Thompson and Amy Thomson from Thorpe St Andrew (mother and daughter) all graded for the first time in Windsor and passed their first dan.

Eleanor Jenkins from Coltishall and Jemma Spencer from Norwich also passed their first dan grading on the same day as their siblings, Natalie Jenkins and Adam Spencer, who passed their second dan.

� If you would like further information on Eska, call 01603 418751 or 07860 554235. Alternatively, visit the club's website at eska.co.uk