DEREHAM Martial Arts Academy held its Easter gradings over the weekend.The standards were exceptionally high, with a 100 per cent pass rate in both karate and kickboxing.

DEREHAM Martial Arts Academy held its Easter gradings over the weekend.

The standards were exceptionally high, with a 100 per cent pass rate in both karate and kickboxing.

Examiner Adrian Gardiner said that the standards were: “Some of the best I have seen in 15 years of examining.

“They mark the hard work of the students and instructors, helped along by the atmosphere of a full-time martial arts centre. Particularly worthy of note, is the increasing number of students who are grading in both styles.”

Karate: 9th Kyu Red Belt - Philips Wicks, Josh Wyatt and Jay Ferrier-Kempton.

8th Kyu Orange Belt - Charles Green, Jamie Hinde, Callum Peel, Nicholas Green, Cooper Hopcroft, Georgia Green, Tiffany Peel and Scott Bear.

6th Kyu Green Belt - Jody Reddin and Eddy Edge; 1st Kyu Brown/Double Stripe - Liam Bradley.

Kickboxing: 9th Kyu Red Stripe - Tiffany Peel and Callum Peel.

8th Kyu Orange Stripe - Charlene Green, Robert Broadwater, Aimee Farrow, John Charlie, Michael Sadler, Thomas Meredith, Eddy Edge, Bradley McCormack and Liam Bradley.

6th Kyu Green Stripe -Andrew Barton.

Dereham Martial Arts Academy has just launched a new campaign aimed at more mature students.

Forty and Fit aims to demonstrate the many benefits of practising a martial art later in life.

Centre manager Paul Mummery gained his black belt last year at the age of 43. “Martial arts has transformed my life in so many ways,” he said.

“I get a huge amount of enjoyment and satisfaction from it, and my confidence over the years has rocketed.

“The problem is that many people in their forties feel too embarrassed or nervous to take that first step. With our new campaign, we hope to encourage people to give it a go, and make them feel at home.”

More details of the Forty and Fit scheme are available from the academy on Bertie Ward Way, or you can call them on 01362 652828.