TYLER Nottley from the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts School in Bridport was awarded his red belt after successfully attending his first panel grading in Swindon.

Lucy Fear, the school’s owner and instructor said: “Tyler breezed through his two-and-half-hour panel grading with ease. He’s been working towards this panel grading for many months in class every week now but all the hard work and perseverance came to fruition.

“He is now only one belt away from a deputy black belt and he is my highest belted student within the junior class. He always shows such talent, dedication and skill in every class and is a fantastic role model for all the other students.

“I am so incredibly proud and I’m looking forward to continuing Tyler’s journey to his black belt.”

The school is offering a free trial session to children aged between five and 11, classes are held at the Sir John Colfox School every Tuesday at 5.30pm. You can call or text Fear on 07885412184 to book your space.

The school also runs a ladies’ only kickboxing school and seven members attended a grading panel that was held in Bridgwater.

They emerged with four red belts and three first-ever deputy black belts to take back-to-back to the Bridport School.

Instructor Fear added: “I was blown away with the talent that was shown at the ladies’ panel, it was three hours of intense fitness, curriculum, self defence and sparring.

“The ladies truly showed such great spirit and the energy didn’t dip once throughout the three hours, our ladies only kickboxing programme is second to none.

“They were all simply amazing, all the years of training came together in the three hours. I am honoured to have played a part in their journey and look forward to re-setting their goals again.”

There is also a free trial session for this class on Tuesdays at 7pm at Sir John Colfox School.

Call or text Fear on 07885412184 to book your space.