Superb haul of medals for Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo

Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo, based at TCR Hub in Barnard Castle, is celebrating a hugely successful weekend after a team of ten competitors travelled to Fleetwood and came home with a superb haul of 17 medals: eight gold, seven silver and two bronzes.

The standard of competition was exceptionally high, making the team’s results all the more impressive.

The standout performer was Charlotte Hogarth, 18, an instructor at Barnard Castle, who took two gold medals in poomsae and was also named Overall Female Poomsae Competitor of the Day, a remarkable achievement against such a strong field.

Her brother Ben, 20 also an instructor, won two gold medals, one for sparring and one for poomsae.

Charlotte’s success is more inspiring given the challenges behind it.

She has battled a series of injuries in recent times, particularly to her knee, but refused to let them hold her back.

On the day she showed real strength, resilience and grit and it paid off.

Charlotte said: “This is an amazing club to be part of.

“Everyone is so supportive and builds our confidence so we can go out, perform and achieve amazing results like this.

“I am over the moon with the result, and I’m already working towards the next competition in October.”

In addition to competing, Charlotte gives back to the club as an instructor, teaching the “Little Kickers” in Barnard Castle every Monday and Wednesday evening and passing her love of the sport on to the next generation.

Her instructor, Master Katey Wallace, who also won a gold medal, said: “These young people are fantastic.

“They are hard-working, determined and focused, and it’s a joy to teach them and watch them excel in something they love to do.”

The club’s gold medal winners on the day were Katey Wallace, Charlotte Hogarth, Ben Hogarth, Evie Smith, Taio Rodriguez and Josh O’Neill.

Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo train three times a week at The Hub, welcoming members of all ages and abilities.

They also actively welcome students to a gentle Friday morning session for beginners wanting to learn martial arts in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Report: Katey Wallace