Duo achieve 3rd black belts
Two senior students from Bath Taekwondo have achieved their 3rd Degree Black Belts, despite all the obstacles of COVID-19 and three national lockdowns.
Only three students in the club’s history have reached this level.
Sisters-in-law Katy and Theresa Halliwell took part in the grading, the last to be held at the Bristol Taekwondo Academy, which closed its doors this year.
The ladies participated in a vigorous examination under the scrutiny of two top Grand Masters, Michael Dew and David Oliver, which included linework, patterns, self-defence and theory.
Katy exclaimed “I’m over the moon with my 3rd Dan achievement. It’s been a difficult 18 months but having the club running all the way through has kept us all fit, focused and energised.”
Theresa added “I’m extremely happy and honoured to have achieved my 3rd Dan”.
Club founder and instructor, Rob Morris, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Katy and Theresa. They are both brilliant martial artists and very worthy of their 3rd Dan grade.”
Student Robert Taylor also went up a grade to 2nd Dan. Taylor passed his black belt in October 2016. He continued his training whilst away at university, attending classes at the Bath club when home.
Morris said: “Robert is a fine example of a student truly dedicated to Taekwon-do. To keep his training up alongside studying and then to return to full training and achieve his 2nd Dan shows real dedication. He’s a real credit to the club.”
Meanwhile, three other students achieved their 1st Degree Black Belts at the same grading. Rhys Bell, Archie Cockle and Danielle Mcmenemy. Danielle became the first ever Bath student to receive the coveted grading award for best student.
“It’s amazing to see Rhys and Archie progress from 4-year-old Tigers to 1st Degree Black Belts,” says Morris. “It’s a good foundation as they approach adulthood. Danielle has once again shown her exceptional talent in receiving the award. I’m so very proud of her and all grading students.”
The club trains at Culverhay and Twerton in Bath. For details call 01225 873885 or contact them via bath.tagb. tkd@gmail.com.