WHEN a friend wanted to learn self-defence skills before going to university, Jenny Nsunta went with her to Tae Kwon Do classes.
That was 12 years ago. The friend gave up while at university, Jenny continued and now the girl who was born at Yeoford and went to school in Crediton is a member of the England squad that came fourth out of 28 countries in the recent European Championships in Slovenia.
Jenny, married and with a two years old daughter, is the youngest daughter of David and Shirley Harling of Yeoford.
She trained with Philip Taverner at the Exeter School of Taekwon-do, where she is now an instructor and a 3rd Dan, and was among the gold medallists in Slovenia.
Two other of Philip Taverner's students - Greg Bagwell 2nd Dan and Paul Hutchings 2nd Dan, are members of the England squad and also brought back gold medals.
Jenny says she loves everything about taekwon-do, the ever-changing challenges, mental strengths gained and seeing people from different backgrounds join together "in this magnetic martial art."
She adds that Philip Taverner has been "an inspiration" and taekwon-do has become an addiction that becomes more intense as the years pass. This was her third time as an England member.
Mr Taverner says that his three black belt England squad students have been working extremely hard, juggling day jobs and travelling with him to Oxford, Leicester and South London to make National Squad sessions and secure their places on the England team.
They will now represent England at the World Championships to be held in October at St Petersburg, Russia, but need local support in sponsorship.
"We had a large business pull out of the European sponsorship at the last minute. A parent who owns the building company Hill Crest Building Services stomped up a massive £1,000 to provide financial support for our three members, for which we are all very grateful," said Mr Taverner.
However, help is always needed to and to find out more look at the website http://www.exetertkd.co.uk">www.exetertkd.co.uk .