There are two new black belts for Bungay Taekwondo Club, who took a gruelling five-hour examination in Coventry on Sunday to join the ranks of the GTUK (one of the fastest growing martial arts organisations in Great Britain).

There are two new black belts for Bungay Taekwondo Club, who took a gruelling five-hour examination in Coventry on Sunday to join the ranks of the GTUK (one of the fastest growing martial arts organisations in Great Britain).

The tough grading includes presenting a detailed thesis, patterns, sparring, techniques, self defence, terminology and destruction (the breaking of inch-thick wooden boards by set techniques).

Ryan Hatcher (19) from Holton and Nicole Somerville (17) of Bungay have been training for over three years before completing the test, and although very nervous performed really well to be awarded the highly coveted black belt.

Lianne Hatcher (17) of Holton and Martin Sloan (39), the club assistant instructor, also achieved their next black belt level in preparation for taking their second degree next year.

Clinton Gillett, the club instructor and director of design technology at the high school, said: “The achievements of those at the grading reflect the tenants of Taekwondo including integrity, perseverance, self control, indomitable spirit and courtesy, apparent in the club every lesson.”

Now is a great time to get fit for Christmas so if you would like to see the club train or have a go at this Olympic martial art come along to the high school on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7pm or google Bungay Taekwondo.