TWO Abergavenny martial artists have recently passed their black belts after years of committed training.

Sam Richards and Alex Lewis train with Page Family Tae Kwon Do, and in front of an Independent Martial Arts grading panel consisting of 8th degree Master Willie Lim and IMA founder 6th degree Master Kevin Summers, were promoted to black belts.

Instructor Brennen Page, who started training in the martial arts at the age of eight, was also promoted to 5th dan at the same grading, and the 31-year-old told the Chronicle, "I'm very proud of both Sam and Alex. The journey to black belt takes three to four years of committed training. To be invited to grade students have to attend two three hour pre-grading sessions to see if they have what it takes. At these session they are tested on all of the patterns (series of blocks and movements set against an imaginary opponent) as well as self defence routines from a variety of grabs, knife defence techniques, sparring (fighting) board breaking and fitness. If successful, they are then invited to stand in front of the panel."

Brennen aded, "This is a fantastic achievement for both in many ways, for Alex it caps off a fantastic year in which she has won the Puma world championships and many other titles, and is now a black belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. Sam has had to overcome some tough personal circumstance to achieve his grade and showed true perseverance. (one of the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do - courtesy integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit) to overcome this difficult task, showing such high maturity at such a young age, they should both be very proud of what they have done."

To start your own black belt journey with Page Family Tae Kwon Do feel free to drop in to their classes at Abergavenny Leisure Centre Gymnasium or Verve Martial Arts Centre. Call 07742356818 or visit http://www.pftkd.com">www.pftkd.com for more information.