AN instructor who has been inducted into the Martial Arts Illustrated (MAI)Hall of Fame is aiming to get a 4th degree black belt.

Sarah Hall, who co-founded Hall Family Taekwon-do with her husband Luke, has won many trophies during her illustrious career, including being crowned World Champion last year.

Her entry into the Hall of Fame was for her tournament success and commitment and dedication to martial arts.

Her next goal is to get to 4th degree standard, which is what Luke has achieved.

“Despite gaining a relatively high grade I believe I will always be a student - as there is always something I will be able to learn or improve,” said Sarah.

“I have entered many national and international competitions, winning many titles including medals in British, English and Welsh championships.

“The highlight of my tournament career being World Champion in 2014.”

Sarah added that she was very honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“I think a lot of people are nominated for them but not a huge amount actually get inducted,” said Sarah.

“I didn’t even though I was nominated, I was just presented with a letter that invited me to attend to be invited to the induction at the National Brewery Centre in Burton upon Trent.

“Both Luke and I work, this is just a hobby of ours.

“We have a fantastic bunch of students and we took five fighters to the British Championships in Swindon recently.”

The 29-year-old said she got into the sport after watching her two younger brothers train.

“My brothers and I all took our first grading together and we all successfully passed, I managed to pass with the highest result possible which gave me a taste of what I could achieve,” said Sarah.

“I soon found that Taekwondo was something that I thoroughly enjoyed, and although my brothers soon lost interest, I decided to continue with my training.

“Over the years through training I have been presented with many opportunities to learn other new and exciting skills, including self-defence and pressure points.

“I subsequently started to try it out for myself and it has gone from there.

“I started training in 1999 under Mr Johnson at Broadlands Primary School and in 2005, while training under Mr Manuschka, I obtained my first degree black belt.

“Subsequently, I obtained a 2nd degree in 2007, a 3rd in 2010, which was under Luke, and a 4th in 2013.

“I am due to grade for 5th in 2017.”

The husband and wife team opened their first Herefordshire club in Madley in 2010 after Sarah obtained her 3rd degree belt.

Two more clubs were then opened in Hereford, as well as one in Worcester.

“We run a family club, having social events for students outside of training and also supporting many community events,” said Sarah.

“Throughout 2014 we supported the community games scheme as a club and have entered the previous paint runners raising money for St Michael’s Hospice.

“We also completed the Alzheimer’s Walk, Race for Life, and raised money for Children in Need amongst others.

“We are currently planning an event for later this year to raise money for a local charity.

“In amongst all this Luke and I married in 2011 and have since had two children.

“I entered my first World Championships four months after our first child and won my second gold medal a year after having our second.

“I am hoping when the children are older, they too will practice Taekwondo with us and become successful students.”

Training sessions are held at Marlbrook School on Tuesday’s. with children classes taking place from 6.15pm to 7pm and adults from 7pm to 7.45pm.

Other lessons are at Madley on Wednesday’s from 6.30pm to 7.15pm (all students) and advanced students from 7.15pm to 8pm, with mixed classes taking place at Tomkins Theatre in Whitecross, Hereford, from 6pm to 7pm on Fridays. For information about the club, visit halltkd.co.uk