Several members of the Shepton Judo Club recently travelled to the British Judo Centre of Excellence in Walsall to compete in the Samurai Senior and Masters Judo competition.

It was a long and demanding day which revealed some fantastic and inspirational judo. Many hard earned points were gained towards black belts and higher dan grades by several of Shepton's players.

The conclusion of the day saw Charlie Bowles gaining 10 points, Jake Burnett 20 points, Tom Sherrard 30 points and Kern Foot 60 points. Kern did exceptionally well and progressed to the final, winning a gold medal.

Head coach and club founder Dianne White said: "It was a long day full of really hard fights, it was also good to see the fighters and the support crew, all working together to make the day so successful."

Not only was the club celebrating at the Samurai competition, the club was also celebrating the juniors' and senior grading results.

The club saw more than 35 members grade at Wells Cathedral School. Weeks of hard work and practise paid off, with everyone achieving their goals, including some who nervously graded for the first time.

Shepton Judo Club trains weekly at Doulting, West Pennard and Wells, and is open to anyone over the age of five to come and give it a go.

Complete beginners and returning players made most welcome. For more information, call or text Dianne on 07940 716737 or search Facebook for sheptonjudoclub.