Congratulations to Second Year student Hector Hills who has recently achieved his first-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, passing the grading with merit.
This is a fantastic achievement, with the UK Taekwondo Council describing a Black Belt holder as “a student who did not give up…who has worked hard” and its award is in recognition of the “tremendous personal growth made while training; becoming fit, learning technique, gaining confidence, becoming disciplined, showing respect, overcoming mental and physical challenges.”
Hector has been studying Taekwondo for five years and decided to try it initially after enjoying Judo and wanting to expand his knowledge of and skills in different martial arts.
Hector said, “I really enjoy Taekwondo and am pleased to have reached first-degree Black Belt. My favourite part is ‘breaking’, where you use techniques to break certain objects – for example wood – which is something I had to do to pass my grading. I am excited to continue my journey, learn a whole new list of techniques and work towards my next belt – second-degree Black Belt.”
Mr. Kimmins, Head of Second Year, says, “This is a huge achievement for Hector and one he should be very proud of. I know how hard he has been working in Taekwondo and to achieve a Black Belt at his age in no mean feat. Well done!”
Originating in South Korea, Taekwondo is a diverse traditional Martial Art and combat sport, becoming an official Olympic and Paralympic sport in 2000. Taekwondo offers a range of contact and non-contact participation and competition opportunities. As well as basic techniques – such as blocks, strikes, kicks and stances – step sparring, self-defence, and breaking, students learn the five tenets of Taekwondo including courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
The five tenets of Taekwondo sound well aligned to the values at Trinity. A great achievement – well done Hector!
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