FIGHTERS at an Ulverston taekwondo club swept aside opponents at a national competition.

The Red Rose Social Club-based team took part in the British National Championships in Manchester where multiple junior club members; Riley Pettigrew, Gabriella Pettigrew (British u18kg champion), Mia Atkinson, Jack Dixson, and Harry Westmorland, all took part.

The group, one of three clubs under the Cumbria Taekwondo brand, placed 40th out of 88 at the competition where other teams brought many more martial artists.

Kevin Thompson, Cumbria’s chief instructor, said: “I just love it. I started my own club after I got my third Dan 25 years ago. I am a sixth Dan black belt now.

“We used to be really successful a few years ago and now it is picking up again.

“We are getting quite a few younger ones now so hopefully we can get a few more national champions. It is originally a self defence martial art but now it is more of a sport due to its inclusion in the Olympics.

“The club in Barrow has been going for just over two years and is run by Keith Bennett. He is thinking about starting a children’s class down there soon.”

Marissa Yeadon, a green belt aged 10, said: “It is fun and takes my mind of stuff I don’t like. I have friends here and I like to see them and it is for self defence as well as fun."

Fraser McGilney, a yellow belt aged eight, said: “I just like kicking things. I hope to be a black belt and do competitions in future. Taekwondo takes my mind off my computer and I like to see friends.”