THE month of May was a testing time for four members from the Ju Jitsu Tavistock club. Charles Challis, Hugo Challis, Joe Mulroy and Luca Bergonzini were put forward for the coveted black belt.

The martial artists went all out in front of a grading panel headed by Piero Rovigatti sensei, ninth degree black belt, Umberto Bergonzini, Robert Curtis, Ian Lawson and guest instructor Greg Regan from the Ryu Jujutsu Association.

Their hard work, determination and dedication to jujitsu paid off, passing the gruelling test with flying colours.

Umberto, the club founder, said: 'I was confident in their abilities but at the same time, being their instructor, I was quite nervous.

'I was happy and relieved at the news they had passed and that they performed extremely well. I can definitely say they did me, the club and their fellow students proud.

'The Tavistock club can now boast four excellent black belts.'