FIVE students of the Dragon Taekwondo Academy at Halwill Junction have been awarded their Dan grades following a gruelling five hour long assessment, and more than four and a half years of regular training.

The exam was carried out by Master Con Halpin, 6th Dan, Senior Instructor of Brotherhood Taekwondo Foundation, West London and Master Liam Grange, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor of Musul Kwan, Sussex.

Each of the candidates had to perform a number of patterns (Poomsae), demonstrate technique sparring skills with several partners, display self defence against pre-arranged and random attacks, and one step sparring and full contact sparring (Olympic style), finishing with destruction.

For the full report, and a round up of the latest news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.