Trio take club awards (From Gazette Series)

Trio take club awards

THREE students from the Cam-based Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy enjoyed success at the school's annual awards.

Tim Workman, Robbie Hirst and Shona Thornhill all impressed instructor Richard Olpin. The academy's Student of the Year award went to Workman.

Master Olpin said: "From the day he first started, Tim has shown both exceptional dedication to his training and loyalty to the school.

"He has been training for a little over a year now and in that time has made exceptional progress.

"He is already training in our highest level program and also a member of our Academy demo team.

"I am quite sure that the example he has set will be an inspiration to others to help them achieve their goals and that alone makes him a very worthy recipient of this award."

The second annual award was presented to six-year-old Robbie Hirst, who is one of the school's youngest members.

Master Olpin added: "Robbie has demonstrated a determination to succeed that would put many adults to shame.

"Last year, he had a fall whilst playing in the garden and ended up with a broken leg, yet he was determined not to let this get in the way of his hobby.

"You can imagine my surprise when he turned up just a couple of days later in a wheelchair.

"He would even sit in his chair trying to do his kicks with the one leg that wasn't in plaster.

"We felt that this showed exceptional courage and determination and this special award was in recognition of the example that Robbie has given to us."

Shona Thornhill has been training with the academy for over ten years and was recently promoted to the rank of third degree Black Belt - Master Olpin's highest ranking student.

He said: "I am very proud of Shona. Not only has she demonstrated an excellent commitment to her personal training, she has consistently set a fantastic example to my other students as well.

"She is a key member of my coaching team, always very willing to assist with coaching students of all levels and helping to ensure the smooth running of all our classes.

"Shona is a classic example of what it means to be a Black Belt."

The academy, which is based at Cam Everlands School, runs classes for children as young as five up to teenagers and adults.

New students are always welcome and can get more information from Richard Olpin on 01453 549460 or by visiting www.BlackBeltAcademy.info.