A KELTY Goju-Ryu Karate instructor has become the youngest International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF) 5th Dan after attending a training week in Japan.

Gary Adams, who runs dojos in Kelty and Lochgelly, tested for and passed the 5th Dan grade in September on a visit to Naha, Okinawa, which is known as the birthplace of karate.

Goju-Ryu, which translates from Japanese as "hard-soft style", is one of the four original karate disciplines and combines hard, striking attacks such as kicks and close hand punches with softer, open hand circular techniques for attacking, blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, take-downs and throws.

Stevie Biggar, himself a 4th Dan black belt, runs dojos across West Fife, and is the chairman of the Scottish Goju-Ryu Karate Association.

He was one of 13 people who travelled to Okinawa for the event that saw more than 1,100 participants attend from all over the world.

Other achievements from his dojos include twin sisters tested for and passing their senior (18+) 1st Dan on their 18th birthdays - making them the youngest IOGKF Senior 1st Dans - and Callum Dick passing his 6th Dan, making him the highest grade IOGKF in Scotland.

Stevie, who is holding an open doors taster day on Sunday October 30, said: "The federation holds a yearly training week in Europe but every fourth year it is held in Okinawa, and 1,100 trained, making it the largest martial arts event in the world. It was awesome to see that many people punching and kicking and it was the largest ever number taken by Scotland.

"A few people graded and Gary, at 32, became the youngest 5th Dan. We were there for three weeks and it was amazing; we trained in the master's dojo which was really special. We want to take what we have learned back to the public, no matter what age or size people are. There are guys in Okinawa who are 94 and still training!

"It is good for you and we want to try and get adults and teenagers along and make a difference to people's lifestyle."

The open door event, which includes 20-minute taster sessions and demonstrations, will take place from 11am-2pm at High Valleyfield Community Centre and for more information, contact Stevie on 07763078469 or by emailing stevie.biggar@sgka.co.uk.