Manx Taekwondo hosted a three-day seminar alongside a black belt grading and the club’s annual Christmas party over the same weekend recently.

The seminar, led by Grand Master Lennox the chief instructor with British Taekwondo, kicked off proceedings.

The first session covered essential self-defence skills, with an emphasis on fast, accurate counter-strikes and techniques for escaping holds.

The seminar then moved on to sparring training and, finally, poomsae or patterns on the Sunday afternoon.

Between the seminar sessions Master Lennox held a black belt grading for a cohort of five students, all of whom successfully tested for their first Dan, and a further four students who achieved their second Dan. Two instructors also progressed to their 3rd and 5th Dan grades.

Master Lennox commended the club for the ever increasing standards amongst its students.

Chairman of Manx Taekwondo, Master Rod Nielsen - now a fifth Dan black belt - was especially pleased with the outcome for the club: ’I’m very proud of all my students - everyone has worked hard for their success. It’s not easy to impress Master Lennox.’

Those achieving their first and second Dan belt included Sam, Marco, Shravi, Alex, Chloe, Seb, Marc, Eve and Shaun Morgan, a 46-year-old parent who only started taekwondo with his son four-and-a-half years ago.

Speaking afterwards, Shaun said: ’I started taekwondo to encourage my nine-year-old son, Harry. It has transformed my fitness - just goes to show it’s never too late to start something new!’

The weekend concluded on Sunday evening with the club’s Christmas party, which was well attended by students - both children and adults - and their respective families.

l Manx Taekwondo welcomes new members of all ages. Contact Rod Nielsen on 436181 or [email protected] or visit Manx Taekwondo on Facebook to find out more.