CREDITON and surrounding area Taekwondo School members are celebrating superb performances at the British Taekwondo Championships (PUMA) in Swindon.

The school sent seven brave souls to compete against Britain’s best. Amazingly, every student won a medal, the school returning with a haul of three Gold, five Silver and four Bronze medals.

The school now boasts three British Champions.

At the Junior Championships they had a total of 13 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well.

Dave Powlesland (Fourth degree Instructor in charge of the school) puts success down to both talent and more importantly, hard work, preparation, and bravery in the face of competition pressure.

Taekwondo is famous for its indomitable spirit and the students certainly showed the will to overcome all odds at the competition.

The students spend a lot of time getting into shape, becoming fitter, more flexible and powerful, Dave says.

He said the mind and the training it undergoes in Taekwondo is crucial and the martial art develops confidence, perseverance and honour.

Talent and hard work does indeed make stars it seems but Dave puts much of the student success down the hotbed of senior grades (First degree black belt and above) who help the youngsters and adults progress their martial arts skills, cutting a pathway to rapid improvement and progression through the belts.

To achieve that brilliant side kick takes many hours, hundreds of hours in reality, but the encouragement of the instructors in the school seems to be the key component in not only producing champions but more importantly, fulfilling the potential of each and every student; the gold standard of teaching.

Whether it be a class of juniors aged four or an adult beginning at 50, every student from novice upwards receives time and help in a family-friendly, safe environment.

The first few lessons are a free so get down to the school and have-a-go; you’ve nothing to lose.

Dave added: “You never know, it could a gold medal hanging around your neck one day and a black belt around your waist.

“With so many threats around us, the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo and the better life you adopt as a martial artist will improve your life immeasurably and add great confidence to overcome all of life’s hurdles.”

Taekwondo classes are available in Crediton, Newton St Cyres and Copplestone every week with five sessions to suit all diaries.

For details visit the website: https://en-gb.facebook.com/CreditonCopplestoneTKD/ or telephone Dave on 07802 855852.