MARTIAL ARTS: Honiton Tae Kwon-Do sent a contingent to the TAGB English Championships in Worcester. And came back among the medals.

With more than 40 competitors in some categories, winning a medal is quite an achievement.

Instructor Chloe Lock’s six-year-old son Ka’mari has grown in confidence with every tournament he has attended.

The first tournament he attended he was too shy to compete, the following one he won his first fight but no trophy and this time he won his first fight 7:0 and returned home with a bronze trophy in Tiny Tots sparring.

Ka’mari can’t wait for his next tournament in April, where he is competing in the British Tae Kwon-Do Championships in Worcester.

Another student to win their first trophy was 11-year-old Georgia, who attended a tournament for the second time.

Georgia has cerebral palsy, affecting the right side of her body which in turn leaves her with virtually no mobility in her hand and limited mobility in her foot.

She has amazing determination which has certainly paid off.

She won silver in her sparring category, beating three opponents to get to the final.

Martin McClaughlin is still a force to be reckoned with and retained his English title in hand destruction, adding to his World, British, Welsh, Southern and South West titles.

Lock also retained her title winning gold in ladies light-heavyweight sparring.

She demonstrated that physical fitness and stamina are as important as technique, if not more, as she had seven fights to achieve this title.

Oliver Buss won bronze for sparring in the men’s blue-belt middleweight category.

The twins - Daffyd and Charli Anne - took part in the popular tag team event and both returned home with silver medals.

The club runs free taster sessions Honiton Sports Centre for newcomers to the art. Sessions are also available in Cranbrook and Broadclyst.

Ring (01404) 850033 or email startaekwondo@hotmail.co.uk for more details of what the club can offer.