A MARTIAL arts team from Thornbury is celebrating after its members won 13 medals at a national competition.
 
Students - aged between 15 and 57 - from Thornbury Taekwondo Academy took part in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) UK Spring National Championships.
 
The event - which was held in Hertfordshire - hosted a range of categories, including patterns and sparring for juniors and adults.

Stuart Leppard, a sixth-degree black belt, along with his daughter, Grace, a first-degree black belt, took home gold and silver medals. 
 
Grace, who is studying for a Master’s degree in building surveying at Northumbria University, also won bronze.
 
Esme McCarthy, a second-degree black belt, who is studying law at London South Bank University and works part time as a legal assistant, won gold and silver medals.
 
Ben Turner, a second-degree black belt, won gold for sparring in the heavyweight category – as well as bronze in hyper weight - and silver for patterns. 

Lilly Buxton, a first-degree black belt, achieved gold and silver medals.

Instructor Master Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder, said he was proud of everyone who took part.
 
He said: “I’m proud of everyone who competed or supported the event in any way - it was a great day.
 
“Competitions are a good way for students to challenge themselves, meet other practitioners of taekwondo and have fun.”

Gazette Series: Thornbury Taekwondo Academy

Gazette Series: Thornbury Taekwondo Academy

The competition took place on February 17. 

The club was first set up in 2001 and classes are held at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with Black Belt and squad training at Turnberrie's Community Centre every other weekend.
 
For more information, call 07866 685099, email info@ thornburytkd.com or visit the website thonrburytkd.co.uk