The five schools in the Target TAGB Tae Kwon Do group had a very successful grading, with all 33 students who took part passing and gaining new belts.

Instructor Gerry Waugh teaches classes in Axminster, Bridport, Charmouth and Sidmouth, with the fifth school in the group, Colyton, being taught by Waugh’s own instructor, Daren Sainsbury. All five schools are part of the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain, which has grown since 1983 to over 20,000 students in more than 600 schools.

Sidmouth students Michael and Ben Elsom shared a unique family experience, with Ben, 5, passing his first ever grading at the same time as his older brother Michael, 10, passed the last of the colour belt gradings. Michael is now training towards his black belt.

Sidmouth student Michael Zhang, 15 (pictured), started training six months ago and has now completed his second grading, taking the top level A-pass and grading award for an exceptional performance, which was also achieved by Maisie Bellworthy, 10, of Charmouth. Very commendable “Plus” passes were also awarded to Molly McAndrew and Sebastian Downham (Sidmouth) and Hugo Whittome (Axminster).