HAXBY Shotokan Karate Club chief instructor Mike Gude has been awarded a sixth Dan black belt – at the age of 66.

The award comes just two weeks after three club members achieved their first Dan black belts.

Gude was awarded his sixth Dan by JKS world chief instructor Masago Kagawa Shihan after a two-day training course.

As well as being put through his paces and tested on various katas (sequence of movements), he had to answer questions on the thesis he had to submit and was put through many gruelling kumite (sparring) exercises.

Gude, who has practised karate from the age of 21, has been involved with Haxby Shotokan Karate Club since 1989.

Since then he has developed hundreds of club members.

He said: “I am very honoured and proud to have been awarded something that means so much to me and all my colleagues in karate.

“It is something I never dreamed of reaching when I started many years ago.

“It tells me that my philosophy of leading by example and encouraging all students of any age to participate with me is very rewarding and worthwhile. I would encourage anyone to come and have a go.”

Club chairman Jim Bamford said: “To achieve your sixth level of black belt is a massive achievement, and one that many people never achieve.

“This is a well deserved achievement for Mike as his dedication to the club has often led to his own training taking second place to instructing other club members.

“As a club we are very proud of his success and to have him as our chief instructor.”

Haxby Shotokan Karate Club train at Wigginton Recreation Hall on Monday and Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for children aged five to eight, and 7pm to 9pm for adults and over-eights youngsters.

For details of the club, visit www.haxbykarate.co.uk or phone 07583 249115.