Young martial arts stars in Deeside earn black belts

Oct 29 2009 by Mark Dowling, Flintshire Chronicle

FIVE youngsters have successfully sharpened their martial arts skills to earn black belt honours.

Lucy Ingram, 12 and Michael Ingram, 11 of Hope, Jack Mellor, 11, of Saughall, Dylan Milne, eight, of Connah’s Quay and Ryan Coney, nine, of Hawarden all received their first degree black belt in tae kwon do.

The young martial arts stars have been practising in Deeside Tae Kwon Do classes in Deeside Leisure Centre and Connah’s Quay Sports Centre for more than four years.

Chief instructor Darren Richardson said: “I am so pleased and honoured to have so many skilled young martial arts in my club.

“We have more than 40 black belts now and more than 150 students training regularly.”

A new class in Hawarden High School is open to students on Wednesdays.

Junior tae kwon do students can attend the 6pm class while seniors are invited to join the 7pm class.

Darren has more than 150 students, from a Tae Kwon Tigers class for learners aged three-and-a-half years and above, to students aged over 60.

For more details on Deeside Tae Kwon Do, call Darren or his wife Amanda on 01352 780609 or 07854 417346.