Jemma Barton looking broken but happy after her 2nd Dan Grading. Pictured here with Master Gary following his successful 5th Dan Grading.  

They gave their all and then some. Showing that true Taekwondo spirit which at times is what is needed to be shown for all to see.

It was great to have the support from Alan Cook, Mark Chapman and it was my pleasure to have Jemma and Aimee's instructor,  Maitre Philippe Aplogan. over from France to see them.

After first grading as a black belt in 1984 Mark Chapman receives his Kukkiwon certificate from Master Gary

For all the younger readers this was a time of just 3 TV channels, no internet or mobile phones!

Holy Cross Catholic High School

March 28 at 11:37 

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Aimee has a Black Belt in Taekwondo and has been nominated for a UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame award. 

Year 8 Aimee attends Inspire Wigan Taekwondo Club, along with her mum Jemma and dad Gary. 

Aimee trains twice a week on Monday and Thursday and has progressed from a White Belt to Black Belt, starting taekwondo eight years ago. She became inspired at 5 years old by her French instructor Maitre Philippe Aplogan. 

“It’s difficult, it does involve learning a lot, it’s about respect and it’s about being very determined,” said Aimee. 

“3 years after achieving my red belt with 2 black tags, I took a grading for my 1st Dan Junior Black belt, and now I have to wait a year before I can do my 2nd Dan. My French instructor travelled to the UK to support me in the grading as a surprise so I was really touched.

“I love Taekwondo, there is a huge sense of pride doing a sport that not a lot of people do.” 

Mum Jemma is a 2nd Dan and qualified instructor while Gary is training for his Black Belt. 

“I have been nominated for a UK award along with my mum.”