STUDENTS from Bewdley Tae Kwon Do Club passed their belt grading with flying colours.

Despite the club being new to the area and students only having between three and six months of training, many members showed how far they have developed with some impressive performances.

Grace Bentley-Hughes, six, impressed with her kicks and knowledge of the tenants of the martial art such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and unbreakable spirit.

A-pass grades were awarded to Simon Whale (eighth Kup), Samantha Tyrell (eighth Kup), Simon Tyrell (ninth Kup), Claire Bishop (ninth Kup), and Pippa Lock (ninth Kup).

Ashlee Whale was also in good form and earned an elite A-plus pass.

The school in Bewdley is the local branch of the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB), one of the largest martial arts associations in Europe.

The students were honoured to be graded by high ranking Paul Donnelly, seventh dan black belt, who was impressed by the standard on the day.

Instructor Katie Billingham, second dan belt, said: “I’m so pleased with the results and very proud. They are a hard working group and model students.

“It is a small club, with only 10 students but it means I am able to give each student more time and attention to fine tune their skills.”

The club are now in training for the British Championships, taking place in October which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the TAGB and is set to be an exciting event with displays from the chairman and committee of the national organisation.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the club can contact senior instructor Vince Farquharson on 07971 003079, or visit the club’s website www.westmidstkd.co.uk