TANG SOO-DO martial artists from across Cambridgeshire returned with an impressive medal haul from the World Championships in California last month. The championships are held every two years, with competitors from more than 40 countries taking part and a

TANG SOO-DO martial artists from across Cambridgeshire returned with an impressive medal haul from the World Championships in California last month.

The championships are held every two years, with competitors from more than 40 countries taking part and a large proportion of the 62-strong Great Britain team were made up of local fighters.

Tang Soo Do is a martial art with a number of different disciplines including some combative and non-combative skills. The discipline has a large following in the district largely thanks to the influence of Master Khan, who trains local martial artists and is the European Director and Chief Instructor of Tang Soo-Do.

Master Khan's daughter Noreen, 23, from Huntingdon Tang Soo-Do Club made history by retaining the Female World Grand Champion title, clinching gold in the Weapons, Open hand forms and Sparring categories.

Stephanie Pratt, also from the Huntingdon Club, claimed two golds while Hunts Ladies fighter Safiya Khan earned a gold and silver.

Stephen Bradbury, from the St Ives Club, took a gold and a bronze while there were bronzes for Huntingdon fighters Frankie Stead, Jacquelyne Pratt, Katie Stead and eight-year-old Bryn Wiseman. Catherine Carter of the Grafham club won a silver.

Other local successes included Mike Allen, Lydia, Gaynor and Robert Russell, Lianna Fitzpatrick and Matthew Wallace.

Master Khan himself was awarded

his 6th Dan in a presentation ceremony conducted by Grandmaster Shin, the President of the World Tang Soo-Do Association.

Master Khan said: "It was a great honour to receive this award from Master Shin himself.

"Some of my students had achieved my previous level of 5th Dan so it is pleasing that I can now continue training them so they can also progress.

"We spent two weeks in the USA as part of the Great Britain team and it was a fantastic experience.

"We welcome anyone to come along to Tang Soo-Do and get involved. Often people are shy or nervous about walking into a hall but everyone has to start somewhere."

* If you are interested in getting involved in Tang Soo-Do, contact Master Khan on 01480 451621.