STUDENTS have gained their first grading in what is reputed to be the most difficult style of karate in the world.

Children and adults at the Durham Academy of Martial Arts, in Spennymoor, have received their orange belts in Kyokushin karate.

Three students skipped a level to achieve their blue belts.

The karate is a form of self-defence that involves kicks, punches and strikes and incorporates philosophy.

Trainer Adam Walker, the only Kyokushin first dan black belt in the North of England, taught it in Osaka, Japan, for six years.

He said: "We had to get an examiner in from Perth, in Scotland, as we are the only club in the North that teaches this style. He was a third dan, one of top ranking in the UK.

"Because of its full contact nature, Kyokushin karate is reputed to be the hardest style in the world today.