Two members of the University have recently been promoted to Black Belt grades in the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon-Do.
Becky Hayward, a PhD student in the Department of Physics, was awarded a first degree Black Belt, whilst Dr Matthew Lloyd, lecturer in Pharmacy & Pharmacology, was promoted to fourth degree Black Belt.
Both Becky and Matthew practice the Ch’ang Hon (‘Blue Cottage’) style at Bath Tae Kwon-Do School which is headed by instructor and Tae Kwon-Do master, Mark Ogborne, seventh degree Black Belt.
The school is a member of the Professional Unification of Martial Arts (PUMA) organisation, which also provides instructors for the University of Bath Kickboxing Club.
Becky Hayward
Becky started training in Tae Kwon-Do as a beginner at the University of Leeds club. She moved to Bath Tae-Kwon-do school around three years ago when she began her PhD at the University of Bath.
The grading on 3 October 2009 at Swindon tested her line work, patterns (which are preset series of movements against one or more imaginary opponents), set sparring with a partner, free sparring and power.
She also undertook a test of theoretical knowledge before taking the spirit test. The spirit test measures mental fitness and determination by completing a series of gruelling physical exercises. The achievement of a first degree Black Belt is extremely significant since it marks the transition from Student to Assistant Instructor status.
Becky said that she is ‘really pleased’ with her result and is looking forward to continuing her training as a Black Belt. She is also a keen member of the University of Bath Kickboxing Club.
Matthew Lloyd
For Matthew, the grading on 4 October 2009 was the culmination of more than 24 years of training, including over four years training as a third degree Black Belt.
The grading consisted of a test of line work, the performance of six Colour Belt patterns, seven Black Belt patterns, free style one-step sparring with a partner, and 2-against-1 sparring. The grading was completed with a power test, a test of knowledge and character, and was followed by the spirit test.
Matthew said that he was ‘delighted’ with the result, as fourth degree Black Belt is the first of the International Instructor grades.
The new grades, certificates and belts were presented at an award ceremony held on 28 November 2009 at Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre.
Anyone interested in practicing Tae Kwon-Do, should contact Master Ogborne on 07850780161, and the University of Bath Kickboxing club for PUMA kickboxing.