The two young Cowdenbeath lads have been training for over seven years each and are regular trainers and members of the club.

The grading was conducted in Cowdenbeath Martial Arts Centre and followed three days of extensive training with Mr Newby, who had travelled to Scotland to conduct various open karate and MMA courses with over 120 students taking part over the weekend.

Eight weeks extensive training was undergone by the fighters prior to the grading which was to cover basics, sport and knockdown karate, followed by exercise drills and bag work – leaving both lads totally exhausted.

This, however, turned to joy as both learned they had passed and achieved their black belt status.

Also for Joe it was a special day for the Sneddon family as he now joins his brother Jack and father Bryan as black belts.

It has been a long journey for both Joe and Richard in reaching this goal, indeed they are the only two students, out of the many hundreds who started the karate with them all those years ago, that are still training and have reached this level.

Instructor Gordon Maxwell commented, “Well done to Joe and Richard and indeed all the other instructors who have coached them both over many years.

“It was a difficult day for both and everyone knows our club’s grades are infrequent but difficult and not everyone passes so we all commend their efforts.

“Both gave it everything on the day and indeed in the months training beforehand with their attitude being first class throughout.

“A big plus also in their favour is the support they have received from their parents over many years.

“It’s not easy to see something like this through over many years and I suppose there were many cold nights they felt like quitting, especially when my brother Neil was roaring at them!” He added, “I hope they see this as not the end of their karate but a new start, but whatever path they take they can both be proud of their efforts and sacrifices they made.

“On a final note Mr Newby informed me this grade and our other kyu grading, where we had 25 students grading, was among est the best standard he had ever seen.” This was the last main event of the year for the club but with many new challenges in 2015 why not join up today with one of Scotland’s best and established clubs? Contact 07904422968 or just pop into the gym.