MEMBERS of a martial arts group based in Lyde Green will represent England on the world stage later this year.
Kieran McDermott, aged 25, Ben Turner, 23, and 17-year-old Elliane Reader train at South West Taekwondo Academy, which holds sessions at Lyde Green Community centre, having previously been based in Fishponds.
They completed gruelling try-outs in Birmingham and were also judged on their achievements at local and regional competitions to earn a spot with International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) England at the World Championship in Croatia, which take place in October.
Instructor Vaughan Buxton, a previous British, European and World title holder, said: “They have worked incredibly hard over the years and it’s an amazing achievement to be selected to represent your country.”
Kieran, a third-degree black belt, is a former World and European champion who works as a trainee solicitor.
Ben, a second-degree black belt, is a neurological physiotherapist who was awarded best overall male at the European Championships last year.
Elliane, a third-degree black belt who is studying A-levels at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, also has experience of competing at international level, having won a European Championship title and earned her black belt by the age of 11. She also won gold and silver medals at the European Championships last year.
For more information on SWTKD call Gavin Reader on 07500 764276 or visit www.swtkd.co.uk.