Black belts in Tae Kwon-Do!

Oliver and Ruby have just been awarded their highly coveted black belts in Tae Kwon-Do, becoming the youngest black belts the club has ever produced. Both have been training with Lytham Tae Kwon-Do since they were 5 years old and have had amazing journeys. Both have gone from complete novices to competing in patterns, sparring and power events at regional, national, British, European and World Championships, winning many medals and titles along the way. Oliver is currently second in the world and Ruby is currently double world champion as well as triple European and triple British Champ. 

What’s equally remarkable is the way these two have carried on training through lockdown. Their original grading exam was cancelled in March due to the pandemic, meaning they had to maintain their 'exam ready' standard and motivation, whilst eagerly awaiting a reschedule date…..which took 6 months! They quickly adapted to Zoom lessons and trained constantly throughout lockdown, they remained focused and even intensified their training. They embraced change without complaining and did what they had to do, and more. We then moved to outdoor lessons and they trained in baking sunshine with hats and sunscreen on, kept kicking in the rain, and wore hoodies in the cold....but still they kept training. They eventually graded in an unfamiliar makeshift location, an old engineering warehouse, in front of three Grand Masters and performed their hearts out. They both wanted this so much and they have truly earned it. Not just for their years of hard work leading up to this moment, or their commanding performances on the day, but for their perseverance, resilience and indomitable spirit demonstrated over the last 6 months. We applaud them both!