NEWPORT-It's a long and arduous process, but for 15 year-old Grant Coakley of Newport, his hard work, perseverance and dedication paid off last week.

Coakley tested and received his First Degree Black Belt under Sensei Pam McAmis at When Worlds Collide Martial Arts Academy in Newport last Tuesday.

Grant has spent the last three-and-a-half years honing and perfecting the skills it takes to survive the grueling three hour long test that he endured and conquered to reach the rank of Shodan.

Grant celebrated and was welcomed into the Black Belt family by Sensei McAmis, Sensei Kipp Dalton, Sensei Randy Forbes, Sensei Austin Pendergrass, Sensei Caven Forbes and Sempai Jill Samson. Special guest instructor Garrett Ellison was also on hand for the special ceremony.

Grant says he will continue on his path of continually using Martial Arts to better his life physically, emotionally as well as spiritually.