Another successful medal haul was brought back from the 2008 GTUK British Taekwondo Championships at the weekend, although there were more bronze medals than before the fact that students had fought so hard to achieve a medal at all was recognised.

Another successful medal haul was brought back from the 2008 GTUK British Taekwondo Championships at the weekend, although there were more bronze medals than before the fact that students had fought so hard to achieve a medal at all was recognised.

Fourteen competitors from Bungay Taekwondo Club, based at Bungay High School, travelled the 175 miles to Stratford-upon-Avon in order to compete at the largest-ever GTUK event, and standards and competition were again really high.

Students who won bronze medals for sparring were Rushanth Patirakiri (aged 16), Logan Bedingfield (19), Mark Porter (27), Nicole Sommerville (16), and club instructor Clinton Gillett (36). George Crickmore (14) won a bronze for patterns, while Clinton also achieved a silver medal in the senior black belt patterns division.

Freya Dodd (16) gained a fine silver medal for sparring in her first black belt event, only having gained her black belt the previous weekend.

Fiona Larter (36) again proved her dominance in the ladies' sparring event and achieved a thoroughly deserved gold medal.

All the other competitors only very narrowly missed out on a medal having often got through several rounds before being knocked out. Daniel Ferridge (14) was especially unlucky to come fourth.

Clinton Gillett, the club instructor and director of design technology at the high school, said: “The achievements of those at the championships reflect the diligence, commitment and talent that is apparent in the club.

“Everyone supports everyone else and there is a really friendly atmosphere, which is always commented on by

other instructors from around Great Britain.”

Now is a great time to get fit for summer 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 contact Clinton Gillett on 07970 664965 for further details.

The Shukokai Karate Group held their latest grading on Sunday at Ringsfield village hall.

Students were marked on technique, effort and knowledge of Japenese, and after a lot of hard work earned their respective grades.

The SKG are now holding new beginners' classes with everyone from seven upwards welcome to come along and learn a martial art in a warm, safe and friendly environment.

Classes are held at Cliff Park Middle School, Orde Avenue, Gorleston on a Tuesday and Beccles Sport Centre on a Wednesday. Both lessons are 6.30-7.45pm. Beginners' first introductory lesson is free.

For more informaton call Kantu 07917800658 or Kevin 07795615921.