7:30am Thursday 20th December 2012
SIX members of the Rising Phoenix Taekwon-Do Club have enjoyed success following a two-day black belt grading session in the presence of Master Jeff Copp (VII Degree Black Belt).
Three of the club’s students – sisters Rhian and Bethan Jones, who attend Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, and brother Tom Jones (Ysgol Sant Curig) - have been training with the club since it opened in Barry just over five years ago and the successful black belt grading was the culmination of a great deal of hard work and dedication.
Proud dad Terry described it as an "incredible achievement" for the siblings, who are aged 13, 12 and 11. He added: "I am over the moon and so very proud of them. They have put in a lot of effort over the last five years."
In addition, the club’s instructors, Paul and Tammy Nurse, successfully gained their 3rd Degree black belts, and Emily Gillingham achieved her 2nd Degree black belt.
The grading commenced with a gruelling fitness test, which was immediately followed by 12 rounds of skipping. The rest of the first day comprised demonstrating expertise and pad work.
Despite aching limbs, the second day again started with another intense fitness workout. The students then had a chance to demonstrate their proficiency in the traditional patterns, which is the most important aspect of the art of taekwon-do. Students grading for black belt must demonstrate 10 individual patterns.
Those grading for 2nd Degree have to demonstrate 13 patterns and, for 3rd Degree, there are 16 patterns. Not only do the movements of each pattern need to be memorised and correctly performed, each has a specific meaning which much also be learnt. All students are required to have knowledge about the history of the martial art and learn Korean terminology; they were tested on this as part of their grading.
Yet more intense pad work took place and, finally, each student had to break using a hand and foot technique before being awarded with their well deserved black belts, which will be worn with pride.
Rising Phoenix Taekwon-do Club train twice a week – at Highlight Park Community Centre on a Tuesday between 6 and 7.30pm and at The Hub, Barry YMCA, on a Thursday between 5.30 and 7pm.
The club welcomes adults and children aged six upwards. If you would like any further information, please contact the club on either 07971 055247 or admin@risingphoenix.org.uk
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