Students from Kuk Sool Won of Yeovil Return Victorious with 26 Medals, Including 6 Golds.
Dedicated students from Kuk Sool Won of Yeovil travelled to Norwich last weekend to take part in a prestigious national martial arts grading and European tournament. The event, which drew competitors from across the UK and Europe, was an important milestone for martial artists looking to test their skills and earn higher ranks within the traditional Korean martial art.
A number of Yeovil students attended the national black belt grading, first time testers Daisy Gledhill and Thu Nguyen, Ashanti Edwards testing toward second dahn and Sally Runnacles testing towards fourth dahn. Four students completing their final testing and successfully promoted to the esteemed rank of black belt — an incredible achievement requiring years of disciplined training and commitment. Among them were Henry Silsby, George Tavener, Valentina Picardi and Michael Pitman. All candidates demonstrated exceptional skill, focus, and perseverance during a rigorous evaluation that tested both physical ability and technical knowledge.
In addition to the grading, students from the Yeovil school competed in the European Kuk Sool Won Tournament. Events included sparring, traditional forms (patterns), techniques, and weapons demonstrations. The team’s outstanding performances led to an impressive haul of 26 medals in total — 6 gold, 9 silver, 4 bronze and 7 copper firmly placing Yeovil on the map as one of the UK’s standout schools in the martial arts community. Special mention to the younger students, Liam Gitau with two golds and one silver, Wilbur Higgins with three silvers and Violet Gledhill with a gold, silver and bronze in each of their respective divisions.
“We’re incredibly proud of our students,” says school owner Stephen Runnacles. “They’ve shown not only fantastic martial arts ability but also great sportsmanship and team spirit. Events like these are about more than just medals — they help students grow in confidence, discipline, and character.”
This summer also marks a special milestone for Kuk Sool Won of Yeovil, as the martial arts school celebrates its 10th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, students will be putting on a martial arts demonstration alongside visiting high ranking masters from across the UK. The event will not only showcase the breadth and depth of traditional Korean martial arts but will also raise funds for Yeovil Opportunity Group, a local charity that provides specialist support and early years education for children with additional needs and their families. The martial arts school is proud to support such a vital local cause as part of its anniversary celebrations.
Kuk Sool Won of Yeovil, run by husband-and-wife instructor team Stephen and Sally Runnacles, continue to offer classes for both children and adults, helping people of all ages build fitness, confidence, and self-defence skills in a supportive environment.
To book a free trial class, contact us today!
