The martial arts community in the Midlands is abuzz with the recent achievements of Dudley and Oldbury TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Clubs, along with the Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club, which proudly introduced a new 2nd Degree Black Belt recipient. With a legacy spanning over 35 years, Dudley TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club continues to produce outstanding black belt achievers. At the recent grading event, the accomplished Victoria Massey ascended to the 1st Degree Black Belt rank, showcasing her skills in front of 5 TAGB Grand Masters. Vince Farquharson, the World Master and chief instructor of the club, praised Vicky’s dedication, emphasizing the critical role of discipline in mastering Tae Kwon-Do’s intricate techniques.

Noteworthy for its focus on physical and mental resilience, the Oldbury TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club celebrated Lemar’s promotion to 1st Degree Black Belt, guided by dedicated instructors, including Master Vince Farquharson, Lisa Brown, and Georgia Elwell. Farquharson highlighted the club’s emphasis on holistic development, nurturing discipline and self-confidence in their students.

Simultaneously, the Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club proudly recognized Kambiz Bassir’s dedication and perseverance, leading to his remarkable achievement of the 2nd Degree Black Belt. World Master Farquharson, an instructor at the club, emphasized Kambiz’s commitment to the art, highlighting the significance of dedication in the pursuit of excellence.

For those inspired by these achievements, joining these clubs and commencing their Tae Kwon-Do journey is an accessible process. Prospective students can enroll in beginner’s classes, where experienced instructors meticulously guide them through fundamental techniques and principles. As they progress, a series of challenging yet rewarding training modules pave the way toward achieving the esteemed black belt status.

Dudley and Oldbury TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Clubs, alongside the Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club, are not only centres of physical prowess but also nurturing environments for the mind, body, and spirit. These institutions epitomize unwavering dedication, where the pursuit of excellence seamlessly integrates with the cultivation of inner balance. As these emerging black belts illuminate the Midlands, their journey serves as a poignant reminder that greatness is a continuous pursuit, fuelled by passion and perseverance.

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In the world of martial arts, success is not just about physical prowess but also mental discipline, dedication, and unwavering determination. The North Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Championships serve as a shining testament to the commitment and achievements of students who participate in this ancient Korean martial art. The North Midlands TAGB Championships are a regional competition held every year in Nottingham, allowing students to compete in patterns, sparring, tag team events or power test events before progressing to National and International level competitions.

The TAGB, or Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, is one of the leading organizations promoting Tae Kwon-Do in the United Kingdom. With a rich history and a commitment to fostering excellence in martial arts, the TAGB has become synonymous with quality training and competition.

The North Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Championships is a regional event that attracts participants from clubs across the North Midlands and beyond. It provides a platform for practitioners to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and build lifelong memories.

The success of students at the North Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Championships extends beyond the mat. It exemplifies the positive influence of martial arts in shaping character and instilling valuable life skills.

1. Discipline and Dedication: Tae Kwon-Do demands rigorous training and unwavering dedication. Students who excel in this martial art often translate these qualities into other aspects of their lives, such as academics and careers.
2. Confidence and Self-esteem: Success in competition boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. Students learn to face challenges head-on and believe in their abilities.
3. Respect and Sportsmanship: Tae Kwon-Do emphasises respect for opponents, instructors, and fellow practitioners. The sportsmanship displayed at events like the North Midlands Championships sets a positive example for all.
4. Community and Support: Tae Kwon-Do fosters a sense of belonging and support. Students become part of a larger community that encourages growth and celebrates success.

We would like to congratulate the following students who entered and won medals at the North Midlands Championships:
1. Molly: Gold in Ladies Blue Belt Sparring and Tag Team Sparring
2. Amelia: Gold in Girls Black Belt Tag Team Sparring
3. George: Silver in Boys Yellow Belt Sparring and Gold in Tag Team Sparring

We cannot wait to continue our journey to the TAGB National British Championships at the end of the year!

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The first lesson the year for Walsall Ladies Tae Kwon-Do started with resounding success for the students. Following months of dedicated training from the ladies a stunning 100% success rate was achieved in the recent grading in December.

The 100% pass success rate is a real indication of how hard the ladies have worked over the past few months and we are delighted that the dedication and effort has been recognized by our grading examiners.

Instructor Georgia Elwell said “I am absolutely delighted with the results of our last grading. Our class is all community based and we ensure that every single person feels welcome. Our club has been open now for a year and I cannot be more grateful to be pushing our Ladies Only initiatives to remove all barriers and allowing them to train in a safe, welcome and comfortable environment. I am excited to continue watch these ladies succeed throughout 2023 as the progress with their journey in martial arts.”

A special congratulations to Yasmin, Kaleemah, Aalia, Zaynab, Rabiya and Amanah who all achieved a “+” pass in their grading. And a huge congratulations to Rumaisa who achieved an “A” pass in her FIRST grading.

The next colour belt grading for Walsall Ladies TAGB club will be in March, and we are hoping to keep showing our growth.

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Congratulations to Miss Amelia Myers and Miss Myenna Cinco who have achieved their first degree black belt with the TAGB after 4 years of training.

Amelia and Myenna travelled to the TAGB’s new black belt grading location in Daventry with over 500 other members of the TAGB to stand in front of five grading examiners and take their black belt grade.

Amelia, who is a keen competitor in the TAGB, is very proudly going to be representing West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do at the British Championships 2022 at the end of November, in her new BLACK BELT category. While Myenna will now be working on perfecting her next set of patterns towards her 2nd degree grading.

The whole of Dudley TAGB and Sandwell Taekwondo TAGB are extremely proud of Amelia and Myenna! Congratulations to both girls!

Black belts in the TAGB take hardwork; intensive training, dedication and commitment. The grading includes standing among 5 of the TAGB’s grand masters (9th degree black belts) including TAGB Chairman Master Oliver, TAGB Vice Chairman Master Dew, TAGB Treasurer Master Sergiew, TAGB Liaison Office Master Donnelly and TAGB National Coach Master Walton. The grading itself consists of line work, patterns, set sparring, sparring and theory, demonstrating the 5 tenets of Tae Kwon-Do and the constant progression and dedication to be awarded such a prestigious grade.

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On Sunday 26th June 2022, students from West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do attended the West Midlands local colour belt grading in Oldbury.

Over 95 students attended the Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury to demonstrate their techniques, patterns and sparring routines to achieve their next grade.

Grading examiner and chief liaison officer for the TAGB, Grand Master Donnelly (9th Degree Black Belt), was impressed with the high standard West Midlands students maintained during this grading!

Senior instructor, World Master Vince Farquharson (local instructor for Dudley, Oldbury, West Bromwich, Kidderminster & Stourport) commented; “I am so so happy with how today’s grading progressed. The students performed really well under the grading pressure. I am particularly pleased with the outstanding theory scores achieved as well as our young junior students who made me incredibly proud. I am excited to be presenting the next grades my students and congratulations to all students of affiliated clubs – you are assets to your instructors”

Instructor World Master Farquharson is proud to announce the following progression in grade to his students:

Dudley Tae Kwon-Do Club:
Promoted to Yellow Belt (8th Kup) – Jude, Oliver, Zeke, Stuart (+ Pass) and Jason (+ Pass)
Promoted to Green Tag (7th Kup) – Molly (+ Pass)
Promoted to Green Belt (6th Kup) – Joe (+ Pass)
Promoted to Blue Tag (5th Kup) – Amanda, Finley, Alfie, Marshall and Claire (+ Pass)

Kidderminster & Stourport TAGB Clubs:
Promoted to Yellow Tag (9th Kup) – Jesse (A Pass)
Promoted to Black Tag (1st Kup) – Mat (+ Pass)

West Bromwich Tae Kwon-Do Club:
Promoted to Yellow Tag (9th Kup) – Harper, Dan (+ Pass), Aeena, Chiara, Fulu (+ Pass), Sukhmani and Gursehaj
Promoted to Yellow Belt (8th Kup) – Eam, John (A Pass), Harry, Ikram, Aisha, Gurvun, Mya, Ruhana, Nvar, Nza, Ayun and Ryan (+ Pass)

Oldbury Tae Kwon-Do Club:
Promoted to Yellow Belt (8th Kup) – Araiya and Imann
Promoted to Black Tag (1st Kup) – Myenna (+Pass)

Congratulations to all students listed above and students of other West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do clubs including Tipton, Willenhall, Kingswinford, Cradley Heath and Walsall.

Next grading will be 17th September for all eligible students

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At the end of June students from West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do travelled to Kettering to compete in the Midlands 2022 championship.

It was an exciting day with Toré, Molly and Amelia from Dudley TAGB competing in relevant sparring and patterns events.

Molly and Amelia had a very successful day, with Molly achieving GOLD in Ladies Yellow Belt Lightweight Sparring. She showed amazing technique, competing against higher grade students to win and be given praise from all referees and umpires on the day. This is Molly’s first Gold medal in Tae Kwon-Do with hopefully many more to follow.

Amelia also showed fantastic determination and perseverance, successfully battling to be awarded SILVER in Girls Red Belt Middleweight Sparring. Amelia has been competing since she first started her Tae Kwon-Do journey and to see her take home a SILVER medal as her final competition before attempting Black Belt Grade was fantastic.

Although no medals this competition, Toré had a great day on the mats, progressing into 2nd and 3rd Degree Black Belt Mens Patterns and Sparring. This was only Toré’s second competition since achieving his black belt, following COVID lockdowns and his determination and passion does not go a miss. He has taken to the role of instructor and competition coach with ease, supporting both Amelia and Molly on the day in their divisions.

We cannot wait to see more medals from our competition group with our next event being the North Midlands Championships in Nottingham on 10th July.

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This month students of Dudley and Sandwell TAGB Tae Kwon-Do schools gathered in Oldbury to participate in their colour belt grading in front of 9^th Degree Black Belt and Grand Master Paul Donnelly.

Students stood before the Grand Master to demonstrate their technique, patterns, sparring and self defence to the highest level ensuring maximum precision and power. Dudley and Sandwell TAGB Tae Kwon-Do instructors proudly watched 28 students successfully pass their grading! THAT’S RIGHT – 100% SUCCESS RATE FOR THE CLUB!

Senior Instructor World Master Vince Farquharson commented “I would like to congratulate all students of Dudley, Oldbury and West Bromwich TAGB Clubs – we are incredibly proud of you. Your training journey so far has been amazing to watch and we are so happy to see new and old faces successfully complete and pass their grading! Keep up the hard work and keep your standards high”

Congratulations to the following students on their recent promotions:

William promoted to 3^rd Kup
Zahra promoted to 4^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Lucas promoted to 6^th Kup
Joeseph promoted to 7^th Kup
Summer promoted to 7^th Kup
Noah promoted to 7^th Kup
Molly promoted to 8^th Kup – achieving an A pass
Aisha promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Ikram promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving an A pass
Jamila promoted to 9^th Kup
Oliver promoted to 9^th Kup
Stuart promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Jude promoted to 9^th Kup
Jason promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Oliver promoted to 9^th Kup
Imann promoted to 9^th Kup
Gurvun promoted to 9^th Kup
Mya promoted to 9^th Kup
Araiya promoted to 9^th Kup
Zeke promoted to 9^th Kup
Eam promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
John promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Harry promoted to 9^th Kup – achieving a + pass
Ruhana promoted to 9^th Kup
Nvar promoted to 9^th Kup
Nza promoted to 9^th Kup
Ayan promoted to 9^th Kup
Ryan promoted to 9^th Kup

Congratulations to all the students promoted this grading – your journey continues as we learn new techniques and patterns while improving the old ones ready for June!

If your interested in joining our clubs in Dudley and Sandwell contact senior instructor Vince Farquharson on 07375 119483 to book your place!
Dudley TAGB Taekwondo: Every Monday & Wednesday
West Bromwich TAGB Taekwondo: Every Friday
Oldbury TAGB Taekwondo: Every Saturday
All classes are suitable for beginners and are designed for all ages and abilities!

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Summer and Oliver from Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do club proudly stood in front of Grand Master Donnelly ready to demonstrate their techniques, patterns and self defence skills to be awarded their next belt.

Summer and Oliver have both been training hard over the past three months, working on learning new self defence techniques including patterns, sparring and self defence. Having to demonstrate so many various skills in front of a Grand Master instructor take a lot of training, perseverance and dedication to the art. And Stourport TAGB students did not disappoint instructor World Master Vince Farquharson.

Summer, who has been training in Tae Kwon-Do now for around a year successfully achieved her Green Tag grade (7^th Kup). Summer is an enthusiastic student, working ahead of the current standard of Tae Kwon-Do. Summer demonstrates an extraordinary amount of strength and precision every time she trains and he passion throughout her Tae Kwon-Do journey continues to amaze all her instructors.

Oliver also completed his first ever martial arts grading with Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do. Working hard on his technique, Oliver has shown amazing improvement throughout his training. His progression has been phenomenal over the past few months and all the instructors and Black Belts are very proud of his achievement.

Stourport TAGB will continue to train every Wednesday alongside partner club Kidderminster TAGB every Monday in preparation for the Welsh Championship in May and next colour belt grading in June.

Kidderminster and Stourport TAGB Tae Kwon-Do are currently welcoming new beginners with a two lesson free trial! Contact senior instructor Vince Farquharson on 07375 119 483 for more information

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This month, Walsall Ladies TAGB Tae Kwon-Do have celebrated their martial arts success. Six ladies from the Walsall Ladies Only TAGB club travelled to the local colour belt grading in Oldbury to participate in their grading under 9^th Degree Grand Master Paul Donnelly.

Walsall Ladies showed outstanding perseverance and dedication to the art, performing their first ever Tae Kwon-Do grading during Ramadan. Club instructor, Georgia Elwell commented “I am so incredibly proud of these ladies. They have trained so hard and it has been amazing watching our community grow. This is only the beginning of Ladies Only Tae Kwon-Do clubs and I cannot wait to see how my women pull together over the next months / years. This grading was so successful and to have a Grand Master comment on how outstanding these ladies performed was a great achievement for the club”.

Walsall Ladies students demonstrated phenomenal skill, demonstrating strong, precise technique and self defence skills. We are therefore pleased to announce the following promotions:

Maryam promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag
Khadija promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag
Rabiya promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag – achieving a + Pass
Amanah promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag – achieving a + Pass
Yasmine promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag – achieving an A Pass
Aalia promoted to 9^th Kup Yellow Tag – achieving an A Pass

This is an incredible achievement for the Walsall Ladies TAGB club and a very inspirational start to our Tae Kwon-Do journey.

Whilst our club is currently closed for Ramadan, we will be back on Tuesday 17^th May 2022. Every Tuesday at Palfrey Junior School, 6:30 – 7:30PM. If you would like to book your place, contact instructor Georgia Elwell on 07446393872 or by email georgia@westmidstkd.co.uk

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Over 1300 competitors of the TAGB travelled this weekend to Worcester University to compete in the 2022 English national championships. The competition saw competitors from all across the UK including England, Wales and Scotland national squads to compete in various divisions including Patterns, Sparring, Destruction and Team events.

Keen competitor, Amelia Myers from Dudley TAGB Tae Kwon-Do also attended this event to compete in Red Belt Sparring.

Amelia battled hard on the day and managed to take home a SILVER MEDAL in the girls middleweight red belt sparring division, narrowly missing out on the gold medal.

She then went and buddied up with two other red belt girls in the same division to compete in the TAG TEAM event, to which her team achieved a BRONZE MEDAL.

Amelia has trained hard over the past few months to be ready for this event. She has shown great determination and commitment training at least 3 times a week to prepare. She has not allowed struggles in her training to get her down, showing great perseverance. On the day, this hard work has paid off with Amelia taking podium place in 2 events.

Instructors Master Vince Farquharson, Georgia Elwell and Toré Lamont also all attended the event as officials. This was Toré’s first event as a qualified umpire and he managed to officiate at both continuous sparring and point stop sparring divisions.

Miss Georgia Elwell was given the opportunity to become an area referee, supporting Master Stephen Lambert. Georgia was able to improve her refereeing skills by becoming a center ref at both cadet black belt continuous sparring and boys black belt point stop team events.

This competition was a huge success. Thank you to the TAGB for hosting such an experience. We cannot wait for the next competition.

Dudley TAGB Tae Kwon-Do will continue to host sparring and fitness classes: Every Wednesday at the NEW Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre! Students looking at competing at regional, national or international events are welcome to attend.

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