Five students from South Hams Martial Arts have now been crowned overall UK champions at the invitation-only UK ITF finals night in Swindon on April 16.

This prestigious event was only for those ranked in the top three in the UK and seven students from South Hams Martial Arts qualified to take part.

The evening was an extraordinary display of prowess and skill, with the cream of the UK’s tae kwon do practitioners showcasing their talents. The at­mosphere was incredible as the students performed their best in this high-pressure environment in front of the judges, the highest ranked tae kwon do masters in the UK ITF.

The seven are now fully confirmed to be part of the UK ITF Team UK squad where they will face the best in the world at the ITF World Championships in Brighton in July.

The students would like to thank all those that have supported them so far, including GLL and Tone Leisure for the use of training facilities and funding.

Jack Davies in first degree patterns, Rachel Ratcliffe in second degree patterns, Yanni Barnett in third degree patterns and under 18s power and Corinne Sri-Widada in fourth de­gree patterns and middle weight sparring all won gold to become UK champion.

Silver medals went to Joanna Gendall in first degree patterns, Rachel Ratcliffe in middleweight sparring, Jordan Thorpe in lightweight sparring, Yanni Barnett in middle­weight sparring, Polly Cude in third degree patterns and Mike Cude in fifth degree patterns. Jack Davies in sparring and Jordan Thorpe in second degree patterns both picked up bronzes.