Neil Morris thrilled about passing overseas test
A Telford martial arts expert has qualified as an international instructor after returning from an intensive overseas training course.
Neil Morris, who teaches taekwondo in Telford and Chelmarsh, flew out to Paphos Cyprus to take part in a technical and instructor programme.
The three-day course ended with a one on one exam with senior grandmaster Hwang Ho Yong, a ninth degree black belt.
Morris, a fourth degree black belt, said: "I trained for about 16 hours over the three days with Hwang Ho Yong, who is the head of the technical and education committee for the international taekwondo federation.
"The course also consisted of a one to one test with the grandmaster himself. I passed it and now hold the title of international instructor.
"I train with some of the best instructors the international taekwondo federation has to offer. I have now trained with two Korean grandmasters to date."
Morris also had even more reason to celebrate after taking a small team of four to a taekwondo competition in Wales called Battle of the Bridge.
The event included more than 185 competitors and his students brought back a gold medal, two silvers and a bronze.
Morris said: "One student didn't place but put in a very brave effort and was pleased for his team-mate who won gold in boys yellow belt patterns.
"I'm proud of each and every one of my students. They put themselves on the line, which is worth more than a medal to me."
For further information about the taekwondo classes with Morris visit www.universal-martialarts.com.
