A Half Dozen Black Belts Please! – New Bungay Black Belts

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Saturday, May 7th 2011
A Half Dozen Black Belts Please!

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After a gruelling examination held in Coventry over the weekend there are 6 new black belts at Bungay Taekwondo Club which trains at the High School.  
Kalun Bedingfield, Jenna and Sophie Akerman (all aged 14) gained Junior Black belts with Kal’s thesis being singled out as the best one presented by Juniors on the day! 
Nigel Bedingfield (aged 56), Andy Hibbins (aged 39) and Elliot Ross (aged 17) gained adult black belts with Nigel’s thesis also being singled out for praise.

All performed superbly in front of Master Oldham and various other senior Dan grades in order to be awarded their coveted black belt. They all had to perform patterns, demonstrate techniques, perform free sparring and set sparring techniques, answer theory questions and submit a written thesis.

Adults also had to perform several destruction techniques, one of which involves breaking an inch thick pine board at 7 feet and requires a great deal of practice as well as excellent technique and power.

Ryan Hatcher also completed a successful half degree test in preparation for his 2nd degree examination next year and he is hoping to open a club in Norwich soon.

These 6 students passing takes the black belt tally at the club to 18 since it opened in 2003 and Clinton Gillett said, “I really think these guys deserved to get their dan grading as they have shown great determination and dedication and are humble and respectful students”.

The photo shows back row left to right:
Logan Bedingfield (instructor’s assistant), Elliot, Ryan, Clinton Gillett (instructor), Andy, Martin Sloan (assistant instructor)
Front left to right:
Jenna, Nigel, Sophie and Kalun.

The club trains Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm, so if you want to start training as the next black belts or just have a go at this Olympic martial art then please just pop in to the main Hall or contact Clinton on 01986 892140, it is suitable for everyone male and female from 7 years old to 70!