STRIKE Taekwondo master Lisa Winteridge has achieved the impressive status of 5th Dan black belt at a recent grading.

Three students from the Keighley-based club, Catherine Wossick, Mark Ainley and Albert Chippendale, also enjoyed success as they gained their 1st Dan black belts.

The grading took place under Grand Master Satwinder Vohra, the first British Kukkiwon 9th Dan black belt and first class international referee.

The candidates were tested on every aspect of Taekwondo, including poomsae (patterns), striking/blocking techniques, all kick techniques both from ground and jumping, sparring, leg sweeps, self-defence, one-step defence, and the breaking of wood with all kick techniques and with some jump kick techniques.

In addition for 5th Dan, Winteridge was required to punch through two inches of wood, three on one sparring, additional poomsae and jump breaking techniques.

Grand Master Vohra said: "An excellent standard was shown by students after years of training and dedication under Strike's instructors to achieve black belt.

“All students showed the knowledge, commitment and skills required to achieve the black belt standard. Master Lisa has trained with me over a number of years now and has shown excellent progress and strives for high standards within her club.

"Her 5th Dan black belt is a tremendous achievement after years of dedication".

Winteridge said: “I achieved my 4th Dan in 2011 following my trip to Korea where I completed the third class foreign instructor course. In 2014 and 2016 I was lucky enough to bring my two boys into the world so my training had to give way for a little while.

“It's been challenging juggling work, family life and Taekwondo on the route to 5th Dan but I'm really proud to have made the grade.”

She went on to praise the three students who also graded. She said: “This was the first time I had students taking the Dan grading at the same time.

“It was great to be able to share the occasion and a proud moment when the results were announced. Catherine, Mark and Albert have all worked so hard to achieve their black belts. Their Taekwondo journey has only just got started and I'm sure there's lots more to come from them.”

Wossick and Ainley have all been training at Strike for between three-and-a-half to six years and train three times along with assisting the lower grades at competitions and participating themselves.

Chippendale has trained privately under the instruction of 3rd Dan black belt Damien Barber and more recently Winteridge.

Strike has now successfully taught 17 students from beginner to black belt in Keighley, four of whom have gone on to teach Taekwondo themselves, while Leah Moorby progressed to the GB Academy following further coaching from Kath Hook at Doncaster.