Young Daly's working hard on prize black belt

FOURTEEN students from the Glenn Stevens Black Belt Schools received their first and second level black belts at a special grading held at Shakespeare Hall, Newhaven.The average age of the students was 14. One notable exception was Daly Tucknott, a nine-year-old who has been training with chief instructor Master Glenn Stevens for the last six years.

Stevens said: 'Daly was three years old when he started and he was so shy that he would cry every lesson. His determination was evident already, though, when he would make the decision himself to come back to the next lesson.'

Daly trains for two hours a day, twice a week with Glenn at Meeching Valley School, but does an incredible amount of practice in his own time.

Daly's father, Simon Tucknott, also a black belt, said: 'I am very proud of Daly. His focus and concentration levels are fantastic. Martial arts has given him the confidence to set his goals high and achieve one of his ultimate dreams.'

The four-hour-long grading consisted of basic techniques, combination patterns, weapons, fitness and conditioning, and culminated with a half hour non-stop fighting session against numerous black-belt opponents.

Stevens went on: 'It was my biggest ever black-belt grading and the fact that so many of the candidates were under the age of sixteen is a testament to the focus that the youth of today have if it is channelled in a positive manner. I am so proud to be helping our community become stronger, one black belt at a time.'

Students who achieved their first dan, which means they receive their first black belt, were: Daly Tucknott (aged 9), Paul Morgan (11), Jack Williams (12), William Morris (12), Andrew Taylor (12), Ryan Holder (15), Lennie Scudder (16) and Ella Wilson (19).

The remaining students were taking a mid-term exam as they are working towards their second dan. They keep the belt they already have but have passed the first stage towards the higher level.

These were:- Craig Marsom (13), Philip Townsend (14), Robert Bragg (14), Fern Kearley (15), Tim Brookshaw (15) and Nick Scholes (22).

Classes with the Glenn Stevens Black Belt Schools are held in Newhaven, Denton and Seaford. If you would like to book a free introductory session call Glenn Stevens on 01323 891790.