James Gent, Assistant Instructor at Blade Taekwondo, who run classes from Bishop Middleham Village Hall, recently underwent his Dan grade promotion test in Bradford to gain his 2nd Dan black belt.

James has been preparing for his 2nd Dan for several months since taking his 1st Dan last year.

He’s been not only training as a black belt, but conducting classes of his own at Blade, in absence of the lead instructor, Corey.

James attended the grading in Bradford on last month. He was one of the few people taking 2nd Dan that day, and from coach Corey’s perspective, James did very well during the grading.

After a few hours training, he was finally successful and was awarded his certificate 2nd degree black belt certificate.

Corey said: “Overall James did an amazing job, not just in the grading, but in training leading up to it too.

“His experience and ability in teaching classes is getting much better, and he’s a credible assistant to me and helps make great decisions for the club’s future.

“It’s safe to say he’s the most valuable member we have currently in the Blade Team.”