SINCE becoming the first club of its kind in Kent to be accepted in the Professional Unification of Martial Arts (PUMA), Gravesend Taekwon-Do has gone from strength to strength.

Four students have become first-degree black belts while a fifth has been promoted to second degree.

At a recent black belt grading session two of the eight successful candidates from across the country to get special awards were Gravesend students.

Paul Lockhart was awarded best essay where candidates write what they believe is meant by various taekwondo oaths and Alison Jones was named best black belt.

Paul also qualified as an assistant instructor, as did Toby Fagence, while Paul Howart qualified as an instructor.

Chief instructor David Harper said: "It is such a brilliant opportunity and an honour to be accepted to join this prestigious association.

"PUMA is associated to the International Taekwon-Do Federation and sends teams all over the world to compete.

"For our students to be successful in their grading shows our standard is recognised on an international level."

Gravesend Taekwon-Do prides itself on being family orientated, taking students from age four upwards and all four members of the Fagence family are black belts Gravesend Taekwon-Do has also had great success at many PUMA tournaments, especially at the British Open Championships gaining a silver and six bronze medals.

For more details or to book a free class call 01474 746869 or visit gravesendtkd.co.uk