MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Taekwondo Club took part in the national black belt grading and passed with flying colours at the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre.

Assistant instructors Emma Swift and Gavin Barlow reached the level of second dan by gaining their second black belt, while students Stuart Evans, Richard Siddall-Jones, James Stanley and Matthew Savage all gained the important belt colour for the first time.

The examination took nearly four hours to complete and candidates from all over England had to demonstrate traditional elements of Taekwondo, including patterns, self defence, sparring drills, freestyle fighting techniques, board breaking and disarming knife-wielding opponents.

Students also had to pass a theoretical exam, testing the technical and historical knowledge of all those taking the grading.

Chief Instructor John Swift said: "It is a proud moment as most of the students have been training with me for over five years.

"Their success is full credit to their personal commitment and perseverance and also the support of their friends and families, who they couldn't have done it without."

Bromsgrove also hosted the summer colour belt grading, where 140 students passed.

The students train on Tuesdays at South Bromsgrove School, Fridays at Bromsgrove School and Sundays at the Dolphin Centre.

Anyone wanting more details should contact chief instructor John Swift on 01562 827437, or 07989 980155 or via the website www.taekwondo-schools.co.uk