REHMAN Ahmed Noor had a pleasant shock twice over when Bradford United Martial Arts Academy held their annual championships at Carlton Bolling Sports Centre.

Not only did the 16-year-old Bradford College system supports student win the junior red belt category, he also rook the best fighter award.

Rehman's taekwondo instructor Mohammed Zamoord said: "It was a great surprise for us to see Rehman winning the red-belt division.

"He was an underdog in a highly talented category and I never thought or expected him to win the first-place trophy, never mind the best-fighter award.

"Rehman started training in taekwondo in 2009, aged 10, and was introduced to it by his father Sultan Noor, who deserves a lot of praise for his son's achievement.

"Sultan decided to put on his dobok (martial arts uniform) and get stuck in, taking part and showing a keen interest in Rehman's progress and development at the very start."

Sultan said: "I have worked extremely hard with Rehman at home and during his taekwondo classes.

"Having a martial arts background myself has helped as I studied Shotokan karate back in the 1980s.

"There were many times Rehman wanted to quit but thankfully I managed to persuade him to continue, and he has reaped many benefits.

"I have two elder sons who both gained their black belts under the expert tutelage of Zam at Carlton Bolling Sports Centre, and my eldest son now travels the world competing on the mixed martial arts circuit.

"After all the hard work, dedication and commitment he has put into taekwondo, I want Rehman to follow in his brother's footsteps, I would like him to continue in the martial arts circuit.

"Taekwondo has provided a solid base, helping my children build physical strength and balance and improving their co-ordination with the kicking and punching techniques.

"Their concentration has also improved, and they have gained self-confidence through the discipline and respect required in the sport.

"I would recommend taekwondo to parents out there who are thinking of putting their children into a sports activity."

Mohammed added: "Hopefully this competition has given Rehman the confidence to achieve his black belt in 2016."

The regional competition, which attracted students from schools across Bradford, Leeds, Dewsbury and Batley, was sponsored and held in partnership with Youthway, a registered Bradford-based youth charity who help support and inspire young children to reach their full potential through workshops seminars and community-based projects.

For further information about taekwondo classes, contact Zam on 07852-897509 or at info@unitedmartialart.co.uk.