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Ivybridge Community College

Ivybridge Community College

Ivybridge Community College

Former student achieves a First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo

Former Ivybridge Community College student, Michael Rundle, has achieved a first degree Black Belt in Taekwondo

 “I've been training in Martial Arts every day for six years, recently averaging around fifteen hours a week.  This has consequently led to a passion of high intensity exercise and healthy living, which I believe are the makings of every successful athlete.  I started Taekwondo at the age of 11 and quickly progressed through the different advancements in training until I began assisting instruction and taking classes as a 17 year old; this has led to me instructing alongside my Coach, Mr Cater.

Now that I have achieved my Black Belt I can be entirely in charge of a group of students as a junior instructor.  I believe this has helped form a sense of responsibility and confidence, as well as nurturing my communication skills, as I often have to work in a class of forty individuals ranging from ages of 11-18 years old.  I am challenged to explain the precise movements and subtleties of every strike, and ensure that every member has fully grasped what I had presented to them.  By achieving a first degree Black Belt in Taekwondo; the youngest first degree ever graded by my Coach, a former South West of England Champion, I believe I have demonstrated a level of dedication and a mentality that is essential in pushing myself to my limits and being the best I can be.

As an 18 year old I competed in a full contact bout with a Thai boxing specialist and won.  Currently I am taking a gap year working hard in a local Boxing Gym and with Mr Cater to further my Martial Arts experience.”