JUDO: Gentle giant Paul Jones has achieved the milestone of fifth-level black belt, the highest contest grade in judo.
The Samurai Judo Club ace achieved the feat at a grading after winning bronze at the British Veterans Championships in High Wycombe.
Jones had to defeat two other fourth-level black belts in open contest and then three more by maximum points without rest.
The Kidderminster man had already passed the theory which involved demonstrating 60 techniques selected by examiners from 130.
Jones, 42, started judo 30 years ago at Kidderminster Judo Club before moving onto a Dudley club and being selected for Great Britain.
He scooped his first-level black belt at 18 but eventually left the sport before restarting 10 years ago when his three sons showed an interest.
Jones steadily moved through the grades, while winning a number of competitive titles.
His older sons Chris and Richard are both brown belts, youngest Grant is an orange level and wife Vanessa is a green belt.
It makes them one of the strongest judo families in Wyre Forest alongside the Lanes who have three black belts.
A club spokesman said Jones was a perfect example of a good judo player.
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