TWO Taekwondo mums have been experiencing a different type of kicking as they continued their training up to their ninth month of pregnancy.

Under the careful watch of personal trainer and fourth degree TAGB Bewdley instructor Katie Billingham, both Kate Mason and Ylva Althoff scaled back their exercising but were able to keep their health and fitness up alongside their Taekwondo training.

While pregnant, Kate and Ylva both completed gradings – Kate at red tag and Ylva at green tag – and received top marks.

Within the first week of conception, Kate, without any knowledge of the little surprise she has coming, competed in a tournament and took home three trophies.

Kate said: “My usual training has quite a high intensity, but Katie adapted it for me so I could continue while pregnant.

“She has kept me going throughout my pregnancy and even helped make my labour easier as my fitness levels have been maintained.”

Former Stourport Carnival Queen Katie, who was called an “inspiration” by Kate, is an advocate of staying active throughout pregnancy.

Her story of training for her fourth degree black belt while eight months pregnant was featured, back in November 2012, by The Shuttle and was even discussed on BBC Radio 2.

Like their instructor, Kate and Ylva have been training until their eighth month of pregnancy, as they have been determined to keep their bodies fit and healthy during the births as well as when they are new mums.

Katie said: “They were both set to enter the Welsh Championships back in May when they had to have a quiet word and pull out under the guise of an injury.

“Ylva even limped round for the day in order to get out of her planned sparring challenge and avoid being found out so early.”

However, staying at home was not an option for the pair who both travelled to the championships with the rest of their “Taekwondo family” to offer support.

Katie added: “We are a very close group and the ladies have been bombarded with love and support from their team members.

“Both little boys were given their own West Midlands Taekwondo vests, and will be welcomed at the club soon – for cuddles, not training.”