A TAEKWONDO instructor who started in the sport when he was seven says he is very proud to be promoted to 5th Dan status.

Brennen Page runs classes at Page Family Tae Kwon Do every Monday and Wednesday at Hereford Cathedral Sports Hall.

The 31-year says the sport has been the backbone of his life and is very much a part of who he is today.

“Under the guidance of our truly inspirational instructor Jon Stockwell of Hereford Tae Kwon, I gained my black belt at the age of 11, along with my father Brian Page (2nd Dan), my mother Tina Page and sister Syanna Farr,” said Page.

“We were the first family to train and gain their black belts together, all taking our grading under Grandmaster He II Cho, 9th degree black belt and head of AIMAA Tae Kwon Do.

“Along the way we all competed regularly in national competitions such as the British, Welsh and English Championships, winning numerous medals on both patterns and sparring divisions.

“My father went on to run the Hereford club and later acquired a club in Abergavenny which is where I honed my skills as an assistant instructor.

“Our clubs went from strength to strength and our teaching style was established.

“In 2009, Page Family Tae Kwon Do was formed and I became the senior instructor of both Hereford And Abergavenny TKD clubs, having decided that my passion lay with teaching others through my own experiences, rather than chasing trophies.

“I have very high standards for my own training and I expect no less from students.

“Last year I graded and attained my 5th Dan, an achievement of which I am very proud.”

Page is a member of Independent Martial Arts Europe (IMAE).

“I have been able to offer my students a style of taekwondo that unifies and represents itself at the highest possible standards, diversifying and learning from other martial art disciplines as well as having its own wealth of experience,” said Page.

The instructor has seen two of his students recently pass their black belts.

Chloe Badham and Chris Davis were tested on all of the patterns when invited to grade, which takes between three and four years.

“To be invited to grade, students have to attend two, three hour pre-grading sessions to see if they have what it takes,” said Page.

“At these session they are tested on all of the patterns (series of blocks and movements set against an imaginary opponent) as well as self defence routines from a variety of grabs, knife defence techniques, sparring (fighting) board breaking and fitness.

“If successful, they are then invited to stand in front of the independent martial arts grading panel consisting of 8th degree Master Willie Lim and IMA founder 6th degree Master Kevin Summers and other senior ranking instructors.”

Other success stories at Page Family Tae Kwon Do include nine medals being awarded to students at the Professional Unification of Martial Arts (PUMA) World Championships in Swindon last year, with Connie Knox being the stand-put performer.

A total of 650 people from across the world performed at the event.

Page added that there are many reasons to take up a martial art, such as increasing confidence, learning self-discipline, losing weight and getting fitter.

“The reason is personal to the individual, but whatever the reason, I guarantee that with my knowledge and their commitment to training, I will help them achieve their goals.”

Anyone who wishes to attend his sessions can call 07742 356818, visit either the club's website at pftkd.com or search for Page Family Tae Kwon Do on Facebook.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, with the name translating to 'foot, hand, way of life and art'.

It combines combat and self defence techniques with sport and excises.

There is an emphasis on the five tenants: Courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.