Mendip Shotokan Karate Club's Fred Forster took possession of his 1st Dan black belt after a gruelling three-day examination at Crawley.

The 18-year-old from Oakhill was among participants from throughout Europe at the JKAE Autumn International Course and Dan grading at the K2 Sports Centre.

They were overseen by Japanese instructors, senseis Imamura (7th Dan) and Izumiya (7th Dan), as well as England's chief instructor sensei Ohta (7th Dan).

After completing three days of training, Forster lined up alongside the other students to be assessed and, understandably, a few nerves were showing.

He demonstrated good skills in the basics (kata) and then faced an opponent in first semi-free and then completely freestyle sparring.

The last match was even, with Forster and his opponent both displaying excellent spirit and technique.

He performed one final kata to complete the test and secure his pass.

Forster started training in 2007 and has since won medals at the national championships while studying for his A-levels.

He is now at the University of Essex, who he represents at hockey as well as keeping up his karate training.

Anyone interested in trying shotokan karate or joining the Mendip club can call Julie on 01761 233368 or visit mendipshotokan.co.uk.