BUDE’S BOP (Bude, Okehampton and Plymouth) Tae Kwon-Do club has double reasons to celebrate this September.

First, they had a highly successful colour belt grading at Launceston College, where they achieved plenty of top mark passes.

Guo Ling Yi picked up a Grading Award for her strong performance. Fellow students Rob Blewett and Heather Sirmon were awarded A pass standards, with Martha Stratton also picking up above average marks.

Morgane Dumas was unable to grade with the rest of her club, but travelled to South Molton to join their grading, and earned herself an A pass also.

Heather and Eveline Sirmon and Rachel and Martha Stratton made up two mother and daughter entries for the Scottish Championship, only days after passing their gradings.

Travelling all the way to Glasgow to compete, Eveline and Martha scored highly but just shy of a medal position, while Heather and Rachel had to play off for silver and gold! Heather won gold with Rachel taking silver in the patterns division. They are both now national level champions and plan to be back next year to defend their titles, as well as enter more competitions, including the 2018 World Championships.

Instructor Lisa Southard travelled to Glasgow to umpire, and support her students and said: “I’m so pleased for our ladies — and I have to give the children extra special credit for being proud not jealous, and not being put off by not winning, they just want to keep competing so they can improve their martial art and meet lots of new Tae Kwon-Do friends. I’m really looking forward to the World Championships. We usually have over 20 countries represented, so plenty of opportunity to hone your art and meet future pen pals!”

For information about BOP Tae Kwon-Do Club, ring instructor Guy Southard on 07771 863890