LAUNCESTON TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club hosted the area TAGB grading on the morning of Saturday, September 7, with impressive results as six clubs came together from Launceston, Bude, Okehampton, Tavistock, Helston and Plymouth.

A passes for outstanding effort went to Heather Sirmon (Grading Award) who has regained her top form, and Asha Partis form Bude, while Launceston duo John Titley (Grading Award) and Lucy Hunt were also recognised.

Six others from the remaining clubs also received their A passes.

There were an additional eight ‘plus’ passes awarded representing an above average standard.

The grading examiner, Grand Master Michael Dew, himself recently promoted to 9th Dan, — the highest achievable grade in the sport — presided over the assessment and commented on the incredibly high standard achieved given that this was at the end of the summer holidays.

Addressing the assembly of students, parents and instructors, he said: “This is the time of year when most people are relaxing and taking time off from their normal routines. Given the high standard I have seen today and the amount of energy that these students have displayed, it is apparent that the students and instructors alike take this very seriously. It is rare to see such commitment and enthusiasm. What ever you are all doing, carry on, it is a pleasure to come to this area to grade your students.”