Kate and Dave Bredin are a winning combination when it comes to martial arts.

The Mersea Island Judo Club husband and wife attended a National Grading in Maldon Kate, who has participated in the sport for 25 years deservedly earned her black belt third dan.

She faced a four-man line-up of consecutive fights, which she won with throws, holds and armlocks.

Not to be out done by his wife, Mersea Island rugby captain Dave Bredin was next and had to face the massive task of a ten-man line-up, winning also with perfect throws, groundwork, armlocks and strangles.

For his performance and skill Dave was awarded his black belt second dan.

Early in the day they performed a display of judo and ju-jitsu, which showed of their knowledge of techniques and how to use them in self-defence.

Four other members of the club were also grading, firstly they were tested intensely on throws, holds, locks, strangles, combinations and counter techniques. Next they had to fight against men of their own grade.

Danny Blacklock won all his fights to earn his blue belt, Ewan Wilson and Josh Dow performed superbly and were awarded their brown belts Regional coach Kate said: "I am so proud of them all, everyone showed such determination, fitness and skill to obtain their grades, Dave faced probably the hardest line-up I have seen, having to face ten-men consecutively, showed such a high level of fitness, but I knew he would do it".

She added: "I am also pleased with my performance, my dad would have been so proud"