A SEVEN-STRONG squad from Swindon's Phoenix Martial Arts club entered the E-MAP Open martial arts competition, with two members emerging victorious.

Richard Lane, from Nythe, has now won gold medals at each of the three competitions he has entered this year, having only begun training a little over six months ago.

Covingham’s Christine O’Bey made it her second competition win in a row as she topped the podium.

The success continued, with seven other medals being won.

Lane and O’Bey backed up their golds with silver and bronze respectively, with O’Bey’s 12 year-old-son Cody winning a silver.

James Chivers, from Moredon, won a silver and bronze, and 14 year old Jacob Law, from Eldene, and 16 year old Abigail Shearan, from Highworth, both won a bronze medal each.

Phoenix students also made the long trip to Derby for a black belt grading under the Global Taekwondo International grading panel.

Required to demonstrate both their physical and theoretical knowledge of Taekwondo through exercises, the students performed set sequences of movements, sparring multiple opponents, demonstrating their ability to defend themselves from an attacker, including one wielding a knife, and tests of power.

Cody O’Bey and 17 year old Conor Law, from Eldene, were both presented with their new belts, certificates and suits by club chief instructor John Newman.

The club’s youngest black belt - 12 year old Oliver Waite, from Stratton, also successfully gained promotion to second degree black belt.

Newman was also promoted to fourth degree black belt following a gruelling test of his skills, fitness, power and knowledge.

For more about Phoenix Martial Arts & Fitness, see phoenix-ma.co.uk or phone Newman on 07828 273055.