A South Cumbrian Taekwondo club has celebrated a milestone with a series of black belt gradings.
Enso Taekwondo Academy, which operates from Dallam School in Milnthorpe and Kendal Rugby Club, held the gradings under the supervision of 8th Dan Grand Master Phil James, Grand Master Gary Sykes, and British Taekwondo CEO Grand Master Ian Leafe.
Leading the celebration was head instructor Steven Grabek, who was promoted to 6th Dan black belt, marking more than two decades of dedication to the art.
He is the first instructor in the local area to achieve this rank, which places him among the most senior Taekwondo instructors across the UK
Master Grabek began his Taekwondo journey aged 23 in Kendal under Grand Master James.
He said: “Taekwondo is not about fighting. It is about learning how to live. It teaches us to be authentic, to develop character, and to lead with purpose.”
Enso Taekwondo Academy was set up in 2010 and has nearly 100 members, training over 25 black belts to date.
It offers classes for ages five-plus.
The recent black belt promotions were:
- Andrew Syverson – 4th Dan
- Rachel Wray – 3rd Dan
- Olivia Hollister – 3rd Dan
- Megan Hayhurst – 3rd Dan
- Rich Flight – 2nd Dan
- Arthur Wray – 2nd Dan
Among the younger members, Finn Reid, Izzy Jackson, Emily Hartropp, Eli West, Tom, and Milnthorpe adult member Jamie Warren all achieved their 1st Dan; while Toby Flight, Cerys Hughes, Oliver Powlesland, and Zara Fecitt all earned their 2nd Dan black belt.
Chris Brown was promoted to 1st Dan black belt, a particularly proud moment for instructor Andy Syverson as Chris became the first black belt to emerge from Enso’s Kendal Rugby Club-based class.
Master Grabek said: “These results reflect the hard work, commitment and camaraderie that define our club.
“Each black belt isn’t just a milestone – it’s the product of years of effort, growth and the decision to keep moving forward.”
