STUDENTS of Newton Abbot Martial Arts and Combat Sports have been working hard and making great progress, with many recently earning new belts and stripes in Kickboxing and Taekwon-Do. Their dedication has paid off and their confidence has massively grown as well.

For those unfamiliar, a grading is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned, and if successful, they’re awarded a new belt or stripe. It’s a huge achievement and an important milestone in their martial arts journey.

The club are thrilled to announce the following successes, starting first with the kickboxing achievements.

Anna Hawkes (passed with credit), Mike Chapman (passed with credit) and Leo Heasman have earned the yellow stripe, Elouise Sargeant and Jennifer Norton the green stripe, Keziah Wood (passed with credit) and Jasper Cully the blue stripe, Igor Sztabinski, Matilda Sanders, Erin Parr and Saphira Ash the blue belt, Liliana Sztabinska and Andy Seal the red belt and then lastly, Simon Wood is one away from black with his black stripe.

Over to the Taekwon-Do achievements and at junior grades are Martha Fairs, Bronte Sowerby, Harvey Clark, Orlagh Robertson, Frazer Simpson, Logan Abel (With credit), Kali Frizzel, Eban Brown, Elliot Welch and Evie Hawkes. At 9th Kup with the yellow stripe are Isobel Goff, Thomas Hamlyn Prout, Amyah Ramday and Samuel Welch plus at 8th Kup with the yellow belt are Zoe Warner, Eleanor Fairs, Steven Goff, Monty Goff and Jack Newbury.

Also, Rowan Spiers- 7th Kup (green stripe), Bobby Spiers and Phil Brown- 6th Kup (green belt), Niquita Potter and Mark Lowman- 5th Kup (blue stripe), Jacob Seal and Christian Stocker- 4th Kup (blue belt), Heston Wood- 3rd Kup (red stripe) and Fae Seal- 2nd Kup (red belt).

In addition to these fantastic achievements, five advanced students took part in their pre-grading, a rigorous assessment to earn permission to attempt their Black Belt grading. Darren Burke, Lewis Burke, Jasper Sercombe and David Sercombe are 1st Kup (black stripe) plus Sophie Chisholm is at second degree.

Sophie, David, and Jasper will be grading for their Black Belts in January under the guidance of Master Johann De Silva, a 7th Degree Black Belt, who will be traveling from London to Newton Abbot to conduct this special event.

Darren and Lewis will be grading later in April in front of a panel of high-ranking martial artists, including 7th Degree Master Churchward, 6th Degree instructors Mr. Bishop and Mr. Cude, and 4th Degree Black Belt and NAMA’s own instructor, Mr. Ed Colman-Roberts.

At NAMA Martial Arts and Combat Sports, it is believed martial arts is about more than just kicking and punching. It’s about building confidence, respect, and resilience. Their students, young and old, are part of a welcoming community where everyone supports each other to succeed.

The club is also excited to share that instructor Ed Colman-Roberts has recently been nominated for UK Coaching’s Young Person and Children Community Coach of the Year. This recognition highlights Ed’s dedication to helping young people grow in confidence, character, and skills through martial arts.

Classes are held at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot, and the first session is free! For more information, contact [email protected] or call 07957 897 217.

Congratulations again to all of the hardworking students- the club is very proud!