BUDE’S BOP (Bude, Okehampton and Plymouth) Tae Kwon-Do club are celebrating after their February grading at Launceston College.

All students were successful in attaining their next belts, and two of them, Martha Stratton and Spike Walker, who were both going for yellow belt, received particular mention from the grading examiner as they stood out for their excellent power and control.

The grading examiner, Master Dew, 8th degree blackbelt and vice-chairman of both the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain and the British Tae Kwon-Do Council, was impressed by the good attitude of the Bude students, and the overall standard.

Instructor Guy Southard also commented: “We have a strong pass rate, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy to pass.

“Our students have to work hard and demonstrate to me that they can represent a good standard in front of Master Dew before they are allowed to grade. Many of them have to overcome nerves as well, so I am always proud of the effort my students put in.

“Some of the juniors really enjoy the challenge though - so much so that they’ve persuaded their parents to attend classes!”

Eveline Sirmon, Martha Stratton and her sister Millicent are also taking part in the English Championships in Worcester later in March.