Martial arts
Youngsters rack up fine medal haul

Buy photos » Top effort: Pictured left to right are George Noon, Riley Grazier, Jay Brooks, Alex Morgan, Ryan Noon and Olivia Kembery. (s)

TALENTED members of Redditch-based taekwondo school Endurance Martial Arts came away with a bumper crop of medals from two recent local competitions.

They proved to have the winning formula at the Dynamic Patterns Competition in Highley on July 1 when father and son duo Matt and Jay Brooks (13) both scooped gold in their individual patterns categories.

Kieran Grazier, 13, along with Lewis Barrett, eight, and Alex Morgan, 13, also won gold in individual patterns and for Kieran it added to his other two in tag chasing and baton battles.

These new fun categories proved very popular with old and young alike and the medal haul continued to add up.

Newcomer Michelle Ingleby came an excellent second in her individual category as well as entering the synchronized patterns with son Jacob, eight, as she impressed in her first competition.

The club's chief instructor Lee Grazier said: "It was an exceptional day for the club and easily the largest number of medals the club has ever won, so I really couldn't be more proud of each individual student regardless of where they came.

"It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable fun event and the EMA students were courteous, respectful and supportive of their fellow members.

"I couldn't have asked more from them. Also travelling support from friends and family lifted the atmosphere and really helped create a brilliant team spirit."

On the back of these fantastic results several students entered a further competition in Bromsgrove on July 8.

Many of the medal winners from Highley scooped a double win and were joined by several other students from EMA.

Olivia Kembery, nine, came second in individual patterns and sparring and Riley Grazier, nine, finished second in her individual patterns and won gold in her synchronized event alongside Ryan Noon, 13, who was also third in his individual category.

Lee Grazier added: "This was another entertaining day and an all-star performance from the EMA team."

To find out more about taekwondo in Redditch and how you can join the EMA team please visit the club website at www.endurancemartialarts.co.uk or contact Lee Grazier on 07815 622293 or Elaine Grazier on 07969 451026.

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