ILKLEY Karate Club now celebrating its 36th year under the tutelage of Hanshi Mark Outterside who started the local club back in 1988, welcomed more new black belts to the clubs ongoing achievements.  

Three members of the MacIntyre family have achieved black belt success at the national Shukokai UK Dan gradings held in Manchester after completing a six-hour mental and physical endurance.

The national black belt gradings are held in Manchester and students from all the UK clubs in the association are graded by a panel of five highly distinguished karate instructors with over 230 years of combined knowledge and experience.

The boy’s mother, Sharon MacIntyre was the first of the family members to gain black belt honours in December 2019, with Cameron (15) passing his last year and younger brother Theo (14) was also successful last month.

Both boys set their black belt as a goal for their Duke of Edinburgh award and they both excelled and achieved their awards. Cameron recently gained his silver Duke of Edinburgh award and Theo his bronze to add to their outstanding achievements.

Fellow club member Sam Keningham (10) also achieved success in gaining his black belt status and is now one of the youngest club members to attain his national senior ranking.

Club instructor Mark Outterside was very proud of his students and their hard work and dedication over the years.

Ilkley Karate Club is one of the longest running karate clubs in the Wharfedale area and students have established national and international success over the years.

The club is part of a world union, and students get to train and travel around the world including Japan and train under the World Chief instructor Kamohara Sensei 10th Dan.