A MEMBER of Otley Ju-Jitsu Club put on a show stopping performance when she recently graded for her junior black belt.

Ten-year-old Katharine Howard joins a long list of both senior and junior black belts to come out of the Otley martial arts club. Katharine has been training with the club for the past five to six years and was graded along side of some of her peers who were taking lower grades and who all did a good job on the day.

Instructors Clare and Mike Hooker, who are both 6th Dan black belts in Ju-jitsu said Katharine had shown maturity and commitment well beyond her years and added: "As instructors you see many students come and go because to get a black belt needs patience, determination, tenacity and above all commitment. We rarely see this level of commitment from most students across the board let alone from one so young. We are proud that Katharine chose our club to excel in and hope she continues to inspire us as instructors and also her peers and younger members."

Katharine plays an inspirational role within the club as a junior assistant instructor by helping other younger members in both our junior classes giving them something to aspire to.

Ju-jitsu is suitable for ages from four years old upwards and is excellent for fitness, self defence and much more. The first lesson is free with no obligation or expensive join up fees. For more information on becoming a ju-jitsu black belt you can contact Clare on 07971 127788/01943 968002 or email her at clare@otleyjujitsu.co.uk.