Chris aiming for International Tae Kwon Do success

Dartmouth Academy student Chris Wright is aiming to become an international martial arts success after competing in his first international event.

Fourteen-year-old Chris has been studying the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do since he was four years old. He has excelled at the art, which demands dedication and precise control.

His progress has been such that after taking part in a special national training camp in Oxford, he was selected to represent his country for the European Championships in Minsk, Belarus. The championships took place between April 6th and 14th this year and saw Chris take place in five different events – including sparring and special technique demonstrations.

Although he didn’t get into the top places in his events, his performance was good enough to leave him hungry for more and he hopes to participate in many more championships – and he is targeting this year’s World Championships in Tajikistan in August and next year’s Europeans in Italy.

Chris is now starting the search for a local business or businesses to sponsor his attempts to become an international champion.

Chris said: “It was a great learning experience going to Belarus and I really enjoyed the competition. I’ve always loved Tae Kwon Do as it is a very challenging art in so many ways. The view most people have of martial arts is it is all about attacking, but even in sparring is more like a game of chess – using a combination of tactics, defence and attack.

“I’m looking for a sponsor to help me travel to international events, which is a big cost.”

Dartmouth Academy Principal Nick Hindmarsh said: “Chris has done remarkably well in this very tough martial art and we are all very proud of him here at the Academy. We want to do all we can to support his efforts to develop his skills and participate in more championships.”

If you would be interested in sponsoring Chris, please contact Dartmouth Academy Communications Manager Suzi Wooldridge on 01803 839710 or email suzi.wooldridge@dartmouthacademy.org.uk.

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