THE reputation of Samurai as one of Britain ’s best clubs for producing top female players has been underlined after no less than six of its ladies gained their black belts in recent weeks, with two more on the verge of getting theirs.

Black belts in judo are much more rare than in martial arts, with players only able to claim the grade after defeating at least ten opponents of similar grade in contest as well as a technical and theory examination. There are no junior black belts, so young players must compete against adults if they want the grade.

Sally Moon had an unparalleled year in 2010, winning the British Junior National Championships, the Heart Of England, the Kent International, the British Schools and the Welsh Open, and was voted The Shuttle’s Sport Personality.

Gemma Edwards, who specialises more in coaching the very young juniors, recently gave an outstanding performance at the Samurai Women’s Open, defeating four players in style to gain the last points towards her black belt, while Hancocks is an international medalist in Spain as well as Kent International silver medalist.

Rachel Moon was a British champion and a medalist in most major cadet events last year.

Charis Hancocks recently took bronze at the Ingelmunster Open in Belgium and also won medals at the most recent English, Welsh and Scottish Opens, and finally Emily Watson, who also recently earned her black belt, is a three-time British champion and won a title at the New Zealan Open Championships.

Charlotte Price, yet another British Champion, and Sue Hancocks, mother of Millie and Charis and the club’s main coach for the youngest age section, are also close to obtaining their black belts.

These formidable females follow in the footsteps of a long line of black belts, including London Olympics hopeful Kate Walker, as well as third level black and British Kata champion Carol Leverton.

Samurai also has Sarah Biles, who is currently second level black belt and top of the British under-20s rankings, as well as Debbie Read, second level black, whose record of 11 British titles has only recently been equalled by Walker.

Ali Lane, another second level black belt and British medalist now coaching the mid-age junior beginners, is another strong female competitor, while Kelly Edwards will be vying for a London 2012 place.

Former British Police champion Sue O’Neill and Bev Price, also second level black and one of the club’s greatest ever competitors, complete the list of formidable females.