Nine students from Island taekwondo clubs are celebrating passing black belt gradings at the weekend.
The students – from Manx Tigers, Southern Tigers, Tynwald Tigers, and Ace Taekwondo clubs – were put through their paces at the Pinewood Dojang in Pulrose by a grading panel consisting of Masters Keith Evans, Richard Halsall and Lisa Meads.
Master Evans, an international referee, 7th Dan and advisor to Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo headquarters in Korea, had travelled to the Island from Cork to head up the panel.
After a vigorous fitness session, the students were tested on poomsae (forms), Olympic sparring, traditional taekwondo, and self-defence. The grading finished with multiple wood breaking, with everyone performing reverse turning kicks plus a kick of choice.
Junior black belt Sofia Suico was promoted to 2nd poom; Georgia Cowley, Ben Cowley, Heather Spiers and Ryan Coates were appointed to 1st poom; Lauren Cowley, Reanne Hall, Lucy Donegan and Sophie Hicklin were awarded 1st Dan adult black belts.
Master Evans commented: ‘I always love returning to the Island. It’s amazing to see how a small place consistently produces such good black belts.’
The students were all members of Isle of Man Taekwondo Association, which can be found on Facebook - World Taekwondo Isle of Man Taekwondo Association – and @iomtkd on Twitter.
The clubs are based in Pulrose, St John’s, Arbory and Peel. For further information, please text 432152.
Pictured after the black belt grading – left to right: Master Richard Halsall, Georgia Cowley, Lauren Cowley, Ben Cowley, Reanne Hall, Lucy Donegan, Sofia Suico, Sophie Hicklin, Heather Spiers, Ryan Coates and Master Keith Evans.
