Phoenix Karate Schools welcomed another seven black belts to its ranks as it held a winter Dan grading at Cliff Park High School in Gorleston.For the first time in his 26-year career as a martial arts coach, chief instructor Charles Trorey 4th Dan saw members of the same family gaining their black belts together.

Phoenix Karate Schools welcomed another seven black belts to its ranks as it held a winter Dan grading at Cliff Park High School in Gorleston.

For the first time in his 26-year career as a martial arts coach, chief instructor Charles Trorey 4th Dan saw members of the same family gaining their black belts together. Father and son Dale and Travis Halladay from Hopton obtained their 1st Dan black belts. Dale, an assistant coach with the Phoenix School, performed well during the four-hour session. Travis, the youngest student ever to obtain a black belt from Master Trorey, was nine years old on November 5 and showed immeasurable courage.

In Martham, brother and sister Max and Effie Jermy also returned with a 1st Dan black belt. Both started training together and have progressed through the grades simultaneously, another first for their coach. Max was outstanding. At 13 he showed a maturity beyond his years and Effie, 10, performed well alongside her older brother.

Joshua Thompson from Great Yarmouth was thrilled to receive his belt and joins his brother Frasier as a Phoenix black belt.

Two other junior students James Thompson and Connor Dobson impressed the panel, bringing the total of new black belts at Phoenix Karate to 15 during the past year.

The final student to receive a grade was Amy Page from Caister, who pushed herself through an exhausting session to achieve her 2nd Dan.

Chief instructor Trorey said: “This was such a touching moment, we like to think of the club as one big family. I am delighted for the eight students that have been successful today.

“I would like to thank all the other instructors that have worked hard with the students to enable them to achieve the ultimate goal.”

Classes are held in Martham, Caister, Acle, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Hopton, Oulton Broad, Beccles and Halesworth: contact Charlie on 01502 730171 or Vivianne on 07895 550168 for details.

Pictured: Left, Dale and Travis Halladay, Joshua Thompson, Connor Dobson, Max Jermy, chief instructor Charlie Trorey, Amy Page, Effie Jermy, instructor Dean Snowling and James Thompson.