Taekwondo South West Academy trio selected to represent England

THREE martial artists from Bristol will represent England on the world stage later this year.

- 

Kieran McDermott, 25, Ben Turner, 23, and Elliane Reader, 17, from South West Taekwondo Academy (SWTKD), have been selected for the national team.

The trio successfully completed gruelling tryouts to earn a spot with International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) England at the World Championship in Croatia.

Instructor Master Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and world title holder, said: "They have worked incredibly hard over the years and it's an amazing achievement to be selected to represent your country."

The students took part in a full day selection process, held at Grace Academy, Solihull, Birmingham.

They had to perform to a high standard at the trials and were also judged on their achievements at local and regional competitions throughout the year.

Coach Gavin Reader, who is a 3rd degree black belt in the Korean-based martial art and has been a sports coach for two decades, said: "The students not only performed well at competitions, but have shown a positive attitude and resilience throughout their training.