SAM Woodward became the latest Samurai club member to gain his black belt after a national grading at High Wycombe.

Sam, now aged 22, joined Samurai at the age of 12, having started judo at a club in Worcester which then closed.

He had a number of years of success before going to university four years ago, having reached brown belt and won over 25 medals in competitions.

He continued judo at university and since returning after gaining his degree has increased his training and clocking up points towards his black belt and has also passed the technical skills assessment.

Lewis Mills, aged 26, also gained 30 points towards his black belt, taking him now to 67 points out of the 100 he needs.

Two of the club parents have also been competing. James Walker and Paul Spencer both gained points, which now takes Paul to 70 and James to 20. Rob Alloway also competed in the second level black belt section and fought well, but did not pick up any points.

Coach Nigel Tinsdale, 3rd dan, said he was “very pleased” with the results.

Sam becomes the third Samurai to be promoted to black belt this year, following Andrea Fani and Sam Bravo. Ian Leroux has been promoted to second level black and Paul Moss to sixth level.