Colette Hall recently became Stroud Aikido Club’s latest black belt success following a stunning display of expertise that included dealing with multi-man attacks and defending herself against assailants armed with a range of weapons.

Colette is the club’s first female Dan Grade student and she has been training at Stratford Park Leisure Centre since 2013.

Colette’s instructor, Steve Brignall, said: “This is Stroud Aikido Club’s second Dan Grade success in three months and I was very impressed by the way Colette demonstrated a real proficiency in this complex and elegant martial art, easily dealing with three simultaneous attackers and throwing men twice her size.”

Colette added: "It's been a fun five years of training and I'm immensely pleased and honoured to have been awarded shodan. A big thank you to the Gloucester club for helping me get there."

Stroud Aikido Club meets at Stratford Park Leisure Centre every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am. Beginners and returners most welcome. No equipment or special clothing is needed for beginners; track suit trousers and T-shirt will do.