AFTER a successful year of competitions in 2013, Overton and Basingstoke Taekwondo Club were delighted to maintain their 100 per cent pass rate at the Taekwondo Chungdokwan GB Black Belt grading in Southampton.

Five members of the Overton and Basingstoke club travelled to Southamp-ton and, for each, it was the final part of many months of intense preparation, both within the club and at national training events.

They all showed quality performances across all the disciplines of Taekwondo – something that the club has always looked to achieve.

They underwent a rigorous test of all aspects of their Taekwondo, covering the traditional martial arts aspects, self defence and the Olympic style of sparring – under the watchful eyes of the Taekwondo Chungdokwan GB Dan grading panel, consisting of Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence, Grandmaster Mark Biddlecombe, Master Michael King and Master Gerry Reilly.

Several well-deserved promotions were achieved.

Neo Botha, Mujahid Baksh and George Clifford achieved first dan, Samuel Havard is up to third dan and Coleen Reilly has moved to fourth dan.

Reilly has become the first student to start as a white belt and progress within the club to a master rank.

For further information on Overton and Basingstoke Taekwondo Club, including class times, please visit obtkd.org.uk or contact the club via email on info@obtkd.org.uk.