Black Magic For Cotswold

Cotswold Tae Kwon Do Association are celebrating black belt successes for seven of their members. Instructor Robert Connell, 39 was among the group who impressed grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha at Chatham in Kent. Connell was awarded a third degree black belt, while Philip Regan, 16, Dean Mansfield, 36, and Sam Beavins, 25, achieved a second degree black belt. First degree black belts were awarded to 17-year-olds Naomi Regan and Nicola Storey, and 12-year-old Thomas Dulake.

TOP TEAM: Cotswold Tae Kwon Do Association members Thomas Dulake (front) and (from left), Dean Mansfield, Naomi Regan, Rob Connell, Nicola Storey and Phil Regan.

Tae Kwon-Do Success comes to the tranquil village of Clifford Chambers

In a recent grading held at Bourton On the Water Leisure Centre, seven students from the Clifford Chambers School of the Cotswold Tae Kwon-Do Association were all successful for their new belts.

During a three-hour seminar and grading, the group performed with high level of expertise and met all the criteria for each of their grades.

Although the club was originally started for the employees and families of EIC, a local Electrical Contracting firm based in Stratford, it has now been opened up to all of the community and surrounding areas.

Mr Dean Mansfield 1st Dan, School Instructor, was extremely proud of all the students and the efforts they made and said, “these young people have started on the long road to their ultimate goal of becoming a Black Belt in what is now the fastest growing martial art in Great Britain and indeed Europe”.

The School meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the Clifford Chambers Village hall commencing at 6:00pm for 1 hour. As the Association is made up of five Schools, there isn’t a night that you could not train, somewhere in the Cotswold area.

After only six months at the village hall the impact on the local community has been noticeable as the teaching of this art is based on five words (Tenets), Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitatable spirit. Mr Mansfield believes that all children/adults need some rules to lead them through life and the above words seem better than most to take on this challenge.

The School welcomes all, new beginners and any seasoned martial artist that wish to take up the gauntlet in their desire to be stronger in body and mind. Why not take the move and jump in with both feet into this dynamic marital art. Student’s range from 5 to 75, so age is never a problem and it’s something the whole family can do together.

Dylan Hey has joined us after moving to the area from Berkshire where he received student of the year. In a recent four nations championships Dylan also archived a bronze medal for sparring in an outstanding performance. Thomas Dulake of the Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham Club achieved 1st place in sparring within in the same competition and is now the Great Britain Champion for the second year in succession.

Mr Mansfield would like to congratulate all the students and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year and welcoming new students to the class.