Years of blood, sweat and tears have paid off for a pair of young Harrow martial artists.
Lucca Ellis, 10, and 11-year-old Tyler Douglas were awarded their First Dan black belt students at Harrow's Choi Kwang Do by British sprint legend Linford Christie on Saturday.
The pair, who have worked their way through 18 different coloured belts since they were aged just five, are the first of a dozen students who attend the class to reach the milestone.
Lucca's father, Colin, is a Fifth Dan Master instructor and was delighted with their achievements.
"It's been a labour of love for both of them and they both derseve it after working really hard for years," he said.
"I'm very proud of them both and they should be proud of themselves."
Lucca, Tyler and the other students put on a demonstration for Christie, who agreed to present the belts through a mutual friend of his and the instructor.
Choi Kwang Do's roots are in street self-defence which involves close quarter contact.
The hour-long Harrow class is held at John Lyons School Sports Centre at 1.30pm on Saturdays.
For more information call Colin Ellis on 07773 665581.
