CREDITON and Copplestone PUMA Taekwon-Do instructor, Dave Powlesland, has described recent success by four of his students as an "awesome achievement".

The four students were competing in the PUMA 2nds Open World Championships held in Swindon - and all returned with a medal.

Ryan Powlesland received a gold in team sparring, a gold in team patterns and a bronze in individual sparring; Alison John received a gold in female colourbelt patterns; Louis Haslam received a silver in patterns and Simon John achieved a gold in colourbelt patterns.

The local students were among more than 700 competitors at the weekend event, competing not only against others from this country but also the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Algeria, Croatia, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Canada, Ireland, Ghana, Scotland and Portugal.

Mr Powlesland added: "It is absolutely fantastic to have four people take part at a formal World Championships and for everyone to come home with a medal.

"I am really proud of them all."

At the same event, Dave added that the dozen or so Tae Kwon Do Masters from various associations voted and promoted Master Ray Gayle to an 8th degree Master.

Dave said that Mr Gayle, from Bristol, is the local association chairman and grading examiner, and he said he and all the students were very pleased with this.

"All round" added Dave, "it was a fantastic weekend".

Crediton PUMA Tae Kwon Do classes are held at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Crediton, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings and at Copplestone on Wednesday evenings.

All ages and abilities are catered for and welcomed at the classes and further details are available from Dave on 07802 855852.

alan-quick@crediton

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