TWO Taekwon-Do clubs in the Post area have three good reasons to celebrate as they now have three new Black Belts in their ranks.

The Taekwon-do clubs in Bude and Okehampton are run by husband-and-wife team, Lisa and Guy Southard who have been teaching a total of 34 years between them.

Mr Southard, a 6th degree Master of Taekwon-do said: “Achieving a Black Belt in a martial art is no easy ride, it takes years of dedication, and for these three young ladies it was made particularly difficult due to the Pandemic. Despite the obstacles that that brought, they showed enough determination to keep their standards and their interests high. A journey that would normally have taken a minimum of three and a half years, has in fact taken five and a half years. This a good indication to any future employers that they have the mettle to see a task through”

Annabell Warren said: “I started my Taekwondo journey aged 13 after finishing Gymnastics. I wanted to carry on with a sport that would keep me fit and build on the strength and flexibility I already had.

“I really enjoy the progression that Taekwondo offers, each colour belt adds something different to your skills set and allows you to become more powerful with your techniques and expand your knowledge.

“Training for and performing at the Black Belt grading was a challenge but my instructors guided me through, and I am now proud to be able to call myself a 1st Dan Black Belt.”

Annabell and Asha are students at the Bude club. Devon joins her twin sister, Lacey as a Black Belt at the Okehampton club, where younger brother Lenny, currently a 5th kup green belt, is hoping to stand alongside his siblings in the future.