Celebration for black belt Tom Coleman as he joins elite list
A TAE kwon-do instructor is celebrating after becoming one of only nine master-level seventh-degree black belts in Britain.
Tom Coleman started training in the martial art in Ashbourne in 1978 as a pupil of Hulland Ward Primary School and then Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.
The 51-year-old, who now lives in Openwoodgate in Belper, achieved his frist-degree black belt – graded by the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain – under grand master Ki Ha Rhee.
He said: "Many people, when they first start any kind of martial arts training, will aspire to achieve their black belt.
"For me, that was just the start of my journey.
"There are nine levels, or Dans of the black belt and I am now at level seven.
"It has been an incredible journey so far, first as a student working through the ranks and then achieving my black belt in 1983."
Tom credits his wife, Elaine, with helping him through his journey from first to seventh Dan.
He said: "I've had great support from her and I'm really grateful for that.
"I couldn't have achieved this without her.
"I've been lucky to meet so many great people from around the world and, after 36 years, this award is, without doubt, the pinnacle of my career."
In 1988, Tom took over the running of Ashbourne Tae Kwon-Do Club
Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Martial-arts-Celebration-black-belt-Tom-Coleman/story-21287390-detail/story.html
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