The grading session, which was led by visiting Grand Master Ian Lennox, an eighth Dan, saw Patrick James, Sam Cowin, Alex Faraghe, Marco Ciappella and Shravanthika Sivakumar achieve their first Dan whilst Michael Ferrer achieved his second Dan black belt, having achieved his first Dan two years ago.

Rod Nielsen, chairman of Manx Taekwondo, said: "I'm especially proud of the students promoted to first and second Dan black belt.

"Their commitment to taekwondo over many years is admirable, and they're a great role model to younger children training in the club.

"I'm very grateful to Master Lennox for coming to the island to lead the grading as this ensures our students meet the same exacting standards as students grading in the United Kingdom."

Nielsen also reminded students that while achieving a black belt is a significant achievement, one that is only achieved by approximately 20 per cent of students taking up taekwondo, it is nevertheless only the end of the beginning and that there is still much to learn.

The grading occurred as part of the taekwondo festival arranged by the club with support from Lennox’s Nottingham-based team Kang Han.

The festival also saw sparring and self-defence training take place for students of all ages and grades.

Adult student Charlotte McKean said: "We've really enjoyed the weekend.

"My children have been inspired to see other young people achieve their black belt, and we learnt new skills with the self-defence training.

"Everyone is really friendly in the club."

Manx Taekwondo will now start preparations for the kup [colour belt] grading at the end of January before a training camp in Gibraltar followed by participation in various UK competitions.