Whale earns his TAGB black belt (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Whale earns his TAGB black belt

5:00pm Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Sport

BEWDLEY’S Simon Whale impressed an internationally recognised panel of examiners to earn his taekwondo black belt at TAGB’s three-day event.

The Association of Great Britain (TAGB) is one of the largest martial arts associations in Europe and a black belt with them is an internationally recognised qualification adjudicated by a panel of the most highly ranking practitioners in the country.

The three-day bi-annual event brought students from all corners of the UK to the headquarters in Bristol.

Students aged four to 70 had their years of training put to the test as they demonstrate their speed and precision techniques, battle each other through fast-paced routines and spar each other in combat.

Whale took up the martial art aged 41 to become Bewdley TAGB’s first member in 2008.

Instructor Katie Billingham said: “I’m so proud of Simon, he is a perfect example to people who are a little older, and wondering if they still could achieve a black belt.

“While there are some limitations due to age, Simon puts the young people to shame with his fitness, speed and skill.

“He was amazing on the day at the Bristol Academy and I couldn’t be happier to present him with a very well deserved black belt.

“The best thing about tae kwon do is its flexible nature, whereby people can work at their own pace to build up their fitness and skills.

“I hope this is a lesson to everyone who is a little older that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.”

Anyone interested in joining Bewdley TAGB can call Billingham on 07885 293088 or visit www.westmidstkd.co.uk