YOUNG Zak Lee was all smiles recently after being awarded best of grade at a martial arts exam in Darlington.
The eight-year-old, from Butterknowle, who goes to Woodland Primary School, trains with Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo Club, based at The Hub in Barnard Castle.
He has only been taking part in the sport for a few months but has seemingly excelled at the martial art.
His instructor Katey Wallace said he was a natural at Taekwondo.
“He has great natural movement for a kid his age and his concentration and focus for someone so young is exceptional.
“He really stood out at the recent grading and deserved the trophy.
“Hopefully he can build on this and go from strength to strength,” she said.
Other members of the club who took a step closer to black belt and passed their next belts were: Helen Overfield, Dave Hughes, David Overfield, Lucie Hunt, Seb Nattress, Felix Nattress, Nate Parks, Vinnie Parks, Saffy Dykes, Leo Dodgson, Theo Allison, Wojciech Urbanski, Kairon Allen, Charlotte Hogarth, Ben Hogarth, Olivia Chawner and Joanne de Muscamp.
The club trains every Monday and Wednesday at The Hub and offers a Little Kicker class designed for six to 11-year-olds as well as an older lesson for adults.
Anyone interested in having a go is welcome for a free taster session.
