
On Sunday 16th March, Cooper, Alicja, Rich & Kate, representing Ely & Witchford Tang Soo Do, successfully graded to their next belts. Cooper, Alicja & Rich attained the rank of 5th Gup (Green Tag) while Kate attained her 2nd Gup (Red) belt as well as being presented with the most improved award within her grade. Kate is now two grades away from being Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt Candidate).
The grading took place Huntingdon sports centre in front of a grading panel of senior GBTSDA (Great Britain Tang Soo Do Assoc) masters under the watchful eyes of BKCN Khan, assistant Grandmaster and European regional director of the WTSDA (World Tang Soo Do Assoc), head of GBTSDA.
During the grading each student must demonstrate their level of fitness and mastery of their techniques consisting of combinations of strikes, blocks and kicks, as well as sparring and self-defence techniques. Kate also had to show proficiency with a bo-staff weapon. Prior to the physical test they also all took written tests in Korean terminology.
Focus for Rich and Kate now shifts to preparing for next month’s National Championships in Nottingham.
Their achievements were also covered in the Ely Standard local paper: