TWO martial arts aces have become the first Barbican Karate Club youngsters for ten years to achieve black belt status.

Stephen Carr, 14, and 11-year-old Nick Baker have become first Dans after four years' training at the club run by York's six-times former national heavyweight champion Rob Loft.

Carr is also now set to bid for a place on the elite English Karate Governing Body under-16s squad, in a competition for selection to be held later this month. If he is chosen, he will have the chance to compete for England all over the world.

Loft, a fourth Dan who headed a three-strong grading panel which awarded the two belts, said: "Stephen is really special. He's the best we've ever had I think. He is going to be national champion if he sticks it out.

"For Nick to get a black belt at 11 is exceptional. We have really high standards so it takes a lot for us to award black belts. We have hundreds of kids come through our doors but to make that final hurdle to black belt is very hard and doesn't happen often.

"It takes real discipline and dedication to hit the mark. For them it's the end of being a beginner - but it's now when they'll really start to learn."

Both Carr and Baker can now assist Loft in instructing fellow youngsters. He added: "They're both really good instructors as well, which is good for the other kids. They have great personalities and can give it back so fingers crossed they're going to stick it out."

The clubs holds sessions at the Barbican and at Oaklands School and anyone interested in going along should contact chief instructor Rob Loft on 01904 778551.

Updated: 12:58 Saturday, November 02, 2002