Skipton Kickboxing Academy (SKA) are celebrating a stellar year.

Most notable landmark at the club, who are based at Christchurch School, in 2013 is the 2nd Dan black belt of Gemma Hudson.

Her instructor Chris Kinsey said: “This is a massive achievement.

“She has shown great commitment to our club and nothing is too much bother for her.

“Even though Gemma has to balance study and work, she still makes the classes and helps me out teaching our kids’ sessions.

“SKA is part of Taerigi Do in Ilkley, and we specialise in kickboxing, general self-defence, taekwondo and hapkido.”

Other achievements are the 1st Dan black belts of brothers Kieran and Jack Burrass, who are 15 and 11 respectively.

Kinsey said: “The event was held in Ilkley’s Taerigi Do Club, which involved a rigorous three hours of what can only be described as hell, including defending against grown adults attacking them with weapons.

“I am extremely pleased with their commitment and fitness, and they are ones to watch out for!”

Kinsey, who is a 2nd Dan black belt himself, a Level Three instructor in kickboxing, has a strong background in judo and over 20 years’ experience in martial arts, hasn’t been idle on the landmarks front himself.

He said: “I have recently competed in Combat Challenge MMA at Bradford’s Cedar Court Hotel, where I brought home a win with first-round guillotine choke in 1min 22sec.

“Two weeks after that came the Shinobi Wars in Queensferry, North Wales, where, after first punishing my opponent with kicks and punches, I again won with a first-round guillotine choke. I am now a professional heavyweight cage fighter and have three more fights booked for 2014.”

Kinsey added: “Martial arts is a great way of getting fighting fit. All beginners are welcome to the club and the first lesson is free!”

Further information is available from Chris on 07578-397340.