Two Bristol-based fighters have claimed the British champion title and qualified for the European Championships.
Kieran McDermott and Esme McCarthy from Thornbury Taekwondo Academy took part in the British International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Finals in Reading.
Only black belt students who had qualified for the national championships were eligible to compete in the top-tier competitions.
The two then returned to the club victorious, winning gold medals in sparring matches.
Gold medal winners Kieran McDermott and Esme McCarthyInstructor Shihan Vaughan Buxton, a British, European and World title holder and seventh degree black belt, said: “Our students have worked hard for many years to reach this level of competition.
“Only a handful of students progress to their final exams, which is an incredible achievement in itself. I am very proud of the way my students performed and conducted themselves.”
“I am looking forward to seeing the team represent Thornbury and the UK on the international stage this summer.”
Kieran, whose grandparents are from Castlebar, Co. Mayo, started taekwondo at the age of seven and is now a third degree black belt.
He has a Law and Business degree from the University of the West of England (UWE), works as a trainee lawyer and is also the former European Kickboxing Champion and Junior Taekwondo World Champion.
He said: “I've been fortunate to have trained under Master Buxton, a top class instructor who has helped me hone my skills over the years.”
Ezumi McCarthy, a second degree black belt who studied law at London South Bank University and works part-time as a legal assistant, also won a silver medal in the pattern category.
The two attend black belt clinics and team training every other Saturday in addition to weekly classes at the club, which was founded 23 years ago.
They will now compete at the European Championships in Cardiff, Wales in July.
It is said that only 5% of ITF Taekwondo students participate competitively.
However, teams from Thornbury and Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, collectively known as UK ITF Region 7, have been active on the competitive stage and have taken part in the South West Open Championships.
The event, held at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton, saw 23 students take part, winning 32 medals.
Thornbury Taekwondo students competed at the South West Open ChampionshipsGavin Reeder, an instructor at Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, who is a third degree black belt and has been a sports coach for 20 years, said he was proud of his students' efforts.
Gavin, a father of three who works as a paramedic and project manager for the NHS, said: “It takes courage to step onto the mat and I think anyone who takes part should be proud of their achievements, whether they win a medal or not.”
“I think competitions are a great way to learn and challenge yourself as a fighter,” he added.
“The team performed well and demonstrated good sportsmanship.”
For more information about Thornbury TKD, visit thorburytkd.co.uk
