KIRSTY PURHOUSE came though a difficult grading to achieve the coveted Black Belt, in the Korean Art of Taekwondo.

Kirsty, who who trains at the Steve Pearson School of Martial Arts (SPSMA), has been training in both Taekwondo and kickboxing for over five years with SPSMA.

The grading, which was taken by Mr Tony Sewell, a fifth dan black belt and four time heavyweight world champion, who is a very highly respected figure in Taekwondo.

The grading started with sparring, where Kirsty sparred with men and other black belt's.

Kirsty then went confidently onto the practice of patterns (a set of traditional movements in sequence). The grading also consisted of punches, kicks, aerobic exercise, self-defence, pad work and advanced techniques.

Following on from her success, and after recently undertaking an instructors course, Kirsty is going to use her experience by helping to teach others, while continuing her own training.

Steve Pearson, head instructor, said: "Kirsty has been training with me for a while now, and I am pleased that she has achieved the goal she has been working towards for some years.

"I'm also glad to have her in our team of assistant Instructors, as she is a highly respected member of the club,particularly by our younger students".

SPSMA are now running a four-week course for adult beginners in martial arts - a combination of traditional Taekwondo, modern kickboxing and self defence moves, to prepare students who would like to start training, be it for fitness or to learn the art.

These classes are on Sunday evenings at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stroud. The club also offer diverse classes catering for both adults and children in traditional martial arts, kickboxing and Ladies only kickboxing. For more information call Steve on 07881 558091 or log on to www.spsma.co.uk.