IT WAS smiles all round for the JSTKD Taekwondo team as they returned home from the South West England Championships with a clutch of medals.

The team members all train at JSTKD Martial Arts and Fitness which has classes throughout the Vale.

Students from the Rhoose and Dinas Powys clubs did particularly well with both juniors and adults turning in star performances.

The first gold medal of the day was in the Men’s Blue Belt Welterweight division where Chris Edwards stood his ground to claim victory.

The final was a cat and mouse affair with both competitors refusing to give an inch. In the final moments Chris was able to land a well-placed blow to his opponent’s throat, throwing him off balance and allowing Chris to make his winning move.

Chris also demonstrated his technical skills to great effect in the Men’s Blue Belt Patterns event where he came away with the bronze.

Inspired by his dad, Josh Edwards, nine, kept sharp and focussed to take the bronze in the Boys Black Belt Peewee division.

Younger brother Sean, seven, fought well in the Boys Blue Belt Peewee division and was unlucky not to add to the family medal haul.

Representing the girls, Menna Burmingham, 11, showed her accuracy and poise to take the bronze in the Girls Red Belt Patterns event.

However, the day was not without its controversial moments. In the Boys Blue Belt contest, Ashton Curnick, 14, looked certain to make the final, with his powerful kicks frequently overwhelming his opponent but some harsh judging decisions saw him pushed back into third place, resulting in a bronze medal.

Despite this, the day ended positively on another gold medal moment as Alan Li, 15, delivered some inspired moves to lead the Boys Black Belt tag team to victory.

Head instructor, Joseph Schembri praised his students saying: “This was an excellent start to our competition year with our team representing the club brilliantly”.

JSTKD has classes to suit all ages and abilities from three years to adults and new Barry venues will be opening this month. For further information please visit www.jstkd.co.uk.