FOUR members of Aspire Martial Arts in Salisbury aged between 11 and 12 have gained black belt status in taekwondo after being involved in years of training.

Harry Ashman, Ben Dawkins, Sam Devine and Connor Mullett all gained their black belts after training since they were three or four years old, first going through Little Dragons, which takes at least two years, then onto junior and senior classes.

Connor Mullett joined the club at just three years old and, despite being blind in one eye, has graduated through the ranks.

His father Rich Mullett said: “He has progressed from being a very shy little boy, who didn’t want to join in the class, to being a very confident 11-year-old who, along with the other three boys, helps to train other members of the class.

“I feel the commitment and dedication of these young boys is to be commended.

Not only do they have to learn at least ten taekwondo patterns and sparring techniques, but they also have to learn their theory in Korean to complete a written test.

“The instructors at Aspire are very committed to training all ages of students from the very young Dragon Hatchlings to the more mature members of the school and make every new member feel like part of the Aspire family.”