IN the last few weeks, Court Fields Karate Academy Wellington father and son team Nic and Zac Monterio have enjoyed great success in achieving personal goals.

Zac, 13, reached the finals of the Southern England Karate Championships and gained silver in the boys 12-15yr old free fighting (kumite) event and his dad Nic passed his 1st Dan Black belt at Bath University’s Olympic training village.

At the Championships Zac fought well through the early rounds held in Reading to reach final This match was busy with both opponents exchanging kicks and punches and scoring equally. It has resulted in an extension and a further round, which after the time ran out, Zac was just pipped into the silver by half a point.

Nic, 49, who has struggled through a knee injury and has strong determination to succeed, went to Bath and persevered in training as he wanted to pass his Black belt before he turned 50.

At the pre-training session, his knee was standing up well so went into the grading hall with a strong attitude.

His reaction to being told he had passed by The Karate Union of Great Britain’s Chief Instructor, Sensei Andy Sherry 9th Dan, was awesome. He has trained for more than five years and has been a very dedicated member of Court Fields Karate Academy.

Also at Bath was Nicola Troake, who was quietly overcoming nerves as she prepared to take her 2nd Degree Black belt. Nicola, from Willand, who teaches a class in Exeter and also trains at Court Fields, came away with a full Grade to pass her 2nd Dan. Nicola, who has been training for over six years, has a gladiatorial attitude in training which makes it interesting when sparring.

Court Fields Chief Instructor Sensei Andy Purrington 4th Dan, who watched the gradings, says you could see the effort that was put in by both Nic and Nicola.

The club has now produced more than ten black belts since starting in 2010.

Anyone wishing to learn Karate can contact Court Fields Karate on 07970 969632 or visit.