The Scottish Tae Kwon-Do Academy's inverclyde branch saw it's newest blackbelt being promoted to 1st dan in Florida last month.

Lisa Aitken of the academy tested for the rank of 1st degree blackbelt under the watchful eye of Grandmaster Hee Il Cho who is based in Hawaii, Master Ameris from the usa, Master Darcy and Master Byrne from Ireland and Master Kirkwood from Scotland. After a tough two days of training the grading got underway on the 18th of July at the champions sports complex in Orlando Florida. The 23 year hold has trained with the Scottish Tae Kwon-Do Academy since April 2003 and has an impressive haul of over 30 competition title to her name.

The grading consisted of patterns, sparring, set sparring, self-defense, breaking and theory all of which lasted for 2 hours non-stop, it is also a hard test of concentration, stamina, physical and mental strength.

Lisa is pictured along side instructor Mr Boyle, front row- Master Kirkwood, Master Ameris, Grandmaster Cho, Master Darcy and Master Byrne