Stephen Halford, 41, has proved he is top of the chops by winning a prestigious black belt in karate.
Stephen, of Lampern Crescent, Billericay, was one of just 23 successful students out of 120 who took the gruelling examination.
It was a case of third time lucky, as he has failed twice before. He took part in a special training course with the chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in England, Sensei Yoshinobu Ohta.
"He's the top instructor in the UK and he's about as good as it gets," said Stephen, who works as a Lloyds broker. "It was nerve-racking training with people like him."
Stephen trains with the Billericay, Brentwood and Chelmsford JKA club.
The Billericay, Brentwood and Chelmsford JKA trains at Billericay Sports Centre and the Brentwood Centre.
Anyone interested in joining can call 01277 655725 or 07879 625648.
Published Monday January 19, 2004
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