INVERCLYDE'S BLACK BELT SUCESS

Friday the 8th of September 7 students from the Inverclyde branch of the Scottish Taekwondo Academy undertook there black belt grading under the very watchful eye of Master John Darcy 6th degree black belt and Action International Martial Arts Association's European director.

The students to grade for 1st degree were Michael Grant(10), Jade Williams(10), Nicky Jackson(13), Shannon Gault(13) and Rebecca Boyle(13). With all students taking up Tae Kwon-Do between september and december of 2002. Also tested for 2nd degree were Samantha Todd(12) and Matthew McEwan(18) these two students gained there black belts in November of 2004 and have been training for the past 7 years.

The grading was held at Crawfurdsburn Community Centre on the 8th of September. They also had to attend three two hour training sessions in preparation for the grading as well as two hours on the night itself. The grading consisted of patterns, sparring, set-sparring, destruction, grappling, self-defence and as if that was not enough of the physical stuff the students then had to take a theory test at the end of the night.

All students achieved high marks on the night with Michael Grant being pointed out on many occasions by Master Darcy for his technique and the power coming from the youngest student on the night.

This was the first black belt grading to be held by the Scottish Taekwondo Academy which is run by Chief Instructor Mr Charles Boyle who achieved the grade of 5th degree black belt earlier in the year. Mr Boyle has ran a very successful club over the past 8 years and gets stronger with each year that passes, with a membership base of 85 students and still growing. There are a total of 21 black belts within the club now and they are starting to move up the ranks as well with one third dan and two second dans. And also with students starting to open up there own clubs in the area.

We offer classes from 4 years onwards. Panthers 4-6 years, Children 7-13 years and adults from 14 and over, everyone is welcome and will receive a free trial lesson.

Pictured are; back row; Daniel Farrow (instructor), Willie Hillick(instructor), Master John Darcy(chief examiner), Gillian Boyle(instructor), Charles Boyle(chief instructor) middle row, Matthew McEwan, Rebecca Boyle, Shannon Gault, Samantha Todd front row, Nicky Jackson, Jade Williams, Michael Grant