KARATE A stalwart sensei came to Bath on Sunday to oversee a grading test – and brought along his own karate kid to take part.

Sensei Alan Armstrong, a 5th Dan black belt with the International Kase-ha Shotokan-ryu Karate-do Academy, has been practising karate for the past 50 years.

And among those he graded at Bath Shotokan Karate Academy last weekend was his ten-year-old granddaughter Rebecca, who was awarded an orange belt.

"I was looking forward to my first grading, although I was a bit nervous and didn't sleep very well the night before," she said.

Students at the Academy, based at Bath YMCA, are taught by Sensei Chris Dagnan, himself a 3rd Dan black belt.

Sensei Armstrong said: "The students have progressed well and it is always a pleasure to teach in this lovely facility and city.

"I was very pleased with the standard the students showed, with plenty of commitment in regular training and during the grading itself."

For the grading, students had to demonstrate basic techniques in a controlled manner, perform a kata with power and intent, and finally test punches and blocks against a partner.

For more information about Bath Shotokan Karate Academy, call Chris Dagnan on 07973 562372 or email info@bathkarateacademy.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.bathkarateacademy.co.uk