Emily Jade Dargue of Newton Aycliffe had an outstanding success last week when gaining a 1st Dan black belt in the Korean martial art of Tae-Kwon-Do.
Eleven-year-old Emily has been training twice a week at Stephenson Way School since she was only seven under the supervision of 5th Dan black belt Kevin Allison in preparation for her black belt.
The grading took place at Doncaster when over 40 students from all over England and Scotland demonstrated their skills under the watchful eye of 9th Dan black belt, Grand Master Kim Yong Ho.
In order to achieve her black belt Emily, who attends Stephenson Way Primary School in Aycliffe, had to perform two patterns which is a series of predetermined attacking and defensive moves as well one-step and free sparring with other students.
The grading also included Emily having to demonstrate the power of her punches and kicks by breaking wooden boards with deadly accuracy. Emily is now training to gain her 2nd Dan black belt, which she hopes to achieve next year.
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