September 2019 saw an amazing grading for the West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do group, with over 100 people grading in hope to achieve their next grade and take the next step in their Tae Kwon-Do journey.
West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do saw amazing standards across the more than 15 clubs which entered and managed to achieve a 100% pass rate for this grading. With Best in Grade award going to young Reece Howard from the Dudley TAGB club.
Gradings in TAGB Tae Kwon-Do are carried out under one of the 5 Grand Masters in the UK, with West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do’s Grading Examiner being Grand Master Paul Donnelly (9th Degree Black Belt). Grand Master Donnelly is one of the most senior instructors in the TAGB, advancing in his Tae Kwon-Do career through training in Korea. Master Donnelly is also the instructor or head instructor of West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do, World Master Vince Farquharson.
Grand Master Donnelly saw some amazing standards at this grading in the Midlands area and was especially impressed with Reece Howard from Dudley TAGB Tae Kwon-Do, who not only managed to achieve an A pass standard but was also awarded the Best in Grading Award for his performance.
At such a young age, Reece showed power, concentration, respect and amazing technique as he performed his first ever grading at the Portway Lifesyle Centre, Oldbury. Reece’s instructor, World Master Vince Farquharson commented: “We were all really impressed by Reece’s performance. He showed amazing determination and focus to do the best he could during this grading. Achieving an A pass is already a big achievement, but to come away with the Best in Grade trophy is so impressive for Reece and an honor for our club. Reece shows so much courtesy and determination duing his training, working so hard for this grade and I cannot be prouder for him to get this award.”
All West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do schools did fantastic at the grading in all aspects including technical aspects, patterns, sparring and theory – with all West Midlands instructors being so proud of their students.
The journey to black belt is rarely easy but the integrity, perseverance and respect all West Midlands students are showing make them a credit to their instructor.
Start your journey to Black Belt today!
