TIGERS Shotokan Karate club is celebrating after two of its instructors were awarded their Sixth Dan black belts. Vando De-Bellis, aged 46, and Ronald Charran, aged 62, both received their Sixth Dan belts which are awarded for long service to the sport.

TIGERS Shotokan Karate club is celebrating after two of its instructors were awarded their Sixth Dan black belts.

Vando De-Bellis, aged 46, and Ronald Charran, aged 62, both received their Sixth Dan belts which are awarded for long service to the sport. The pair had to show experience of coaching at club level as well as refereeing at national competitions.

Vando's daughter Mariassunta is also celebrating after gaining her Second Dan. Mariassunta, who took up karate at the age of six and is currently studying for her A-Levels at Loreto College, has taken after her Sensei's, showing dedication and commitment to her training regime. Mariassunta said: "Karate has definitely taught me a lot of discipline and now that I will be going onto university it will set me in good stead, having the knowledge of being able to look after myself.