Taekwondo

The money was raised at the annual Chungdokwan Hanmadan in support of Changing Faces which is a charity that supports people with disfigurement.

Chungdokwan Taekwondo are delighted to be in a position to help Changing Faces which is not very well known in the region.

It is hoped that this type of event and sponsorship will raise awareness of this very deserving charity.

On the night, Chungdokwan were also very pleased to welcome Councillor Andrew Grey and his wife Nancy the Mayor and Mayoress of Sedgefield Borough Council; Councillor Bill McNaught, Director of Cultural Development for Gateshead Council; Councillors John Robinson JP and his wife Councillor Maxine Robinson; Angelina Madison and Geoff Egglestone also a patron of Changing Faces.

The night's entertainment started with a traditional opening ceremony and went on to include some breathtaking set pieces showing the traditional martial art and athletic ability of the students taking part.

This included some power breaking techniques and very technical high flying performances to rival those seen in the best Martial Arts Movies the difference being that in this case they were performed live without wires and trick photography.

In Korea, a Hanmadan is a term used to describe a big show or event, and this certainly was a great event. Watched by more than 400 people, a team of highly trained students gave a wonderful display of skill and courage.

The students attend classes from all over our region from Northallerton, Yarm and Stockton to Sedgefield, Ferryhill and Spennymoor. The ages of the participants ranged from 10 to over 45 years. Chungdokwan as a whole caters for all ages (the oldest student is 83 years young and the youngest is only 6).

* Anyone interested in taking up this martial art should contact Chungdokwan on 01325 321701 or visit the website on www.chungdo.org