Candidates from Isle of Man Taekwondo Association (IOMTKD) enjoyed black belt grading success following a visit to the Island by Examiner and 7th Dan Master Keith Evans last weekend.

Lisa Meads and daughter Katie Meads achieved their 4th Dan black belts and have become the first Isle of Man Taekwondo female Masters. Four members of the same family passed their 3rd Dan black belts - Kevin, Gilly, Thomas and Hannah Doyle.

Jay Suico, Kush Peshin and Alicia Madden were awarded 2nd Dan, with Sofia Suico, Julie Jaiyen and Simon Comer achieving 1st Dan.

IOMTKD is a non-profit making organisation set up 15 years ago to promote the teaching and development of the Olympic and Commonwealth sport in the Island, which is an associate member nation of the World Taekwondo Federation.

Richard Halsall, IOMTKD Director, said: ‘The black belt grading took place at our Dojang in Pulrose and our congratulations go to everyone who graded - the standard of performance shown by the students was superb. They were tested in sparring, forms, breaking, basics and self-defence. Our thanks go to Master Evans for coming across to the Island for the weekend, and to everyone involved in IOMTKD who helped organise the grading session.’

The candidates were members of various clubs: Manx Tigers (who train at the Pinewood Pulrose), Southern Tigers (Ballabeg), Tynwald Tigers (St John’s) and Manx Vikings (Peel).

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Photo - Members of the Isle of Man Taekwondo Association who enjoyed black belt grading success, pictured with (far left) IOMTKD Director Richard Halsall and (far right) 7th Dan Master Keith Evans.