Black belt instructor Simpson is the proudest Father and Son as his mum & son both pass black belts
Published on: 15th November 2011
Following on from Quest Taekwondo's recent success in sparring competitions, it is the time of year for black belt gradings. Quest Taekwondo are proud to announce that the following students successfully passed their black belt gradings last weekend in Nottingham:
2nd Dan Black Belt Lucy Brunskill, age 19, Utley
1st Dan Black Belt Margaret Simpson, age 61, Silsden
1st Dan Black Belt Jamie Kidd, age 9, Keighley
The test was conducted by the British Taekwondo Control Board (BTCB), which is the recognised National Governing Body (NGB) for Olympic Taekwondo in Great Britain. Attached is a picture of Senior Instructor Rick Simpson and his mum & son, who both passed with flying colours.
Senior Instructor Rick Simpson, who trains all 3 of these students, was absolutely delighted with the performances. Simpson's mum, 61 from Silsden, successfully completed her black belt having worked towards this objective after 8 years. She originally started training at Quest Taekwondo for fitness and something different to do, and has since lost 3 stone in weight due to the training as well as learn everything needed for the black belt grading which included a technical demonstration, full contact sparring, self defence and also destruction - breaking a hard wooden board - which Margaret, despite being 61 years old, managed to do in style. Master Mike McKenzie, a black belt 7th Dan who was part of the Grading Panel on the day said that Margaret's achievement is extraordinary, stating she is in such great shape considering she is 61 years old.
Simpson's son, Jamie, who attends Hothfield School in Silsden, also successfully completed his black belt. Mr Proctor, Head Teacher of Hothfield School, hailed Jamie's achievement of passing his black belt at such a young age as an inspiration to other children. He also added that Jamie is a competitive sports player and the Taekwondo really helps him maintain his discipline and concentration. Jamie's hard work, dedication and spirit has helped Jamie grow in confidence both in Taekwondo and also his confidence at school.
Quest Taekwondo are still welcoming beginners to their clubs, which are based at Fitness First (Keighley), the Cornerstone Centre (Cottingley), Sandal Primary School (Baildon) and Beckfoot School (Bingley). Rick Simpson added that anyone can do Taekwondo - we have kids as young as 3 and adults as old as 61 like Margaret who I've trained up to black belt - and challenges anyone to come and give it a go. Rick can be contacted on 07977 065357 or Quest's website is www.questbradford.co.uk.
