TWO Stewarton karate kids have proven they’re top of the chops after achieving their black belts.

Senjokai Karate Academy students Amy Mitchell, 15, and Louise Gallagher, 12, have had an impressive few weeks for the club.

The girls were successful in passing incredibly challenging Black Belt examinations under KWF Scotland Chief Instructor Stevie Mason 6th Dan.

Louise was successful in attaining the coveted black belt, becoming the youngest in the club while Amy was awarded 2nd Dan black belt.

Just a week later the impressive achievement was followed by the girls competing at the SKGB Scottish Kata Championships in Edinburgh with more than 600 karate kids from across Scotland.

Louise impressed everyone in attendance with a strong performance bringing home a Silver for Shotokan Kata narrowly missing out on being Scottish Champion.

Her success there then put her forward for the All Styles final where she battled through to another podium finish with a Bronze.

Amy Mitchell continued the winning the ways for Senjokai also bringing home Silver in her section for Shotokan Kata.

Both girls then competed in the “Kata Pairs”, a large and hotly contested section with the girls achieving a very impressive and respectable Bronze medal.

Instructor Sensei Liam Gallagher said he couldn’t be more proud.

He said: “The dedication the girls have shown inspires all of us at the club. It just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work.” Senjokai Karate Academy meets at the Northfield Bowling Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Stewarton Sports Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays.

New members are always welcome.

Senjokai Karate Academy is a member of KWF Japan and the Scottish Karate Governing Body.