Three members of Leigh Yamaguchi Goju kai karate club have successfully graded at the traditional karate style's summer training camp in Crete.

Greek heroics - Mandy Underhill, Lauren Shelbourne and Michelle Payne with instructor Tony Childs Picture: FRAZER CLARK

And star performer Mandy Underhill, from Southend, is now Britain's highest ranked woman in her chosen style after receiving her third dan during the Aegean trip.

She and team-mates Michelle Payne from Westcliff and 16-year-old Lauren Shelbourne from Leigh all received honours from the style's highest master, Goshi Yamaguchi.

Goshi is a son of the originator of the style, Gogen Yamaguchi -- nicknamed 'The Cat' because of his favoured fighting stance -- who was one of the original Okinawan karate masters.

Lauren Shelbourne graded as a first Dan (senior black belt). She has been training for four and a half years, but trains and teaches at dojos five evenings a week.

Her instructor, Sensei Tony Childs who heads the style in the UK as well as running the Leigh club said: "After the grading Goshi came up to me and said he was very impressed with the British team.

"He singled out the performance of Lauren in particular."

Lauren is a former Deanes pupil who is now going on to study Sports Science at CEEVIC.

Those who want to train in Leigh on Thursday evenings should call Mandy Underhill on 07773 275798.

Published Thursday July 29, 2004

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