FRESHWATER Judo Club is brimming with pride after Kerick Sampson — a member of the Isle of Wight's successful NatWest Island Games 2019 judo squad — earned his promotion to black belt.

Kerick got himself noticed competing in the Island Games in Gibraltar.

His journey to attain his First Dan grade as a competitive Judoka, has seen Kerick travel to the famous Budokwai, in London, and has competed successfully in Hampshire competitions.

According to the Budokwai examiners who, on behalf of the British Judo Association, awarded him his black belt, Kerick "did exceptionally well" and that "his judo was excellent".