Dereham teenager Liam Palmer, 16, who currently holds both the English and the British Champion titles amongst his competition wins in 2008 in tae-kwon-do, fought his first regional competition at adult black belt level at the weekend in the South Midlands Regional Championships in Hereford.

Dereham teenager Liam Palmer, 16, who currently holds both the English and the British Champion titles amongst his competition wins in 2008 in tae-kwon-do, fought his first regional competition at adult black belt level at the weekend in the South Midlands Regional Championships in Hereford. He was narrowly beaten to the gold medal.

He won his first three rounds with an impressive demonstration of power, technical ability and sheer fighting spirit. Against fellow competitors who were all taller, heavier, older and more experienced, all ranked 2nd and 3rd dan black belts, Liam battled his way to the final. He left beaten opponents with a growing respect for the newest member of the division.

After a hard fought but sporting final round against a 19-year-old, from Wales, a 2nd dan black belt with three years experience against Liam's three months, the judges gave a split decision with the referee awarding the Welshman the winning point. Karl congratulated Liam on making the final a tough fight with Liam being a worthy opponent and winner of the silver medal.

Liam's younger brother Callum, 10, also had a successful day at the competition. Having passed his grading the previous weekend, Callum was promoted to the rank of red belt and fought in the Red Belt Pee-Wee Division in Hereford. He came home with three well-deserved medals, reaching the finals in each one of his three events.

He won bronze in the patterns section, his sparring tag team the Deadly Vipers won silver in their event and Callum completed the day by winning his first gold medal in the individual sparring to become the South Midlands Regional Champion 2009.

The boys said they were really proud of what they achieved in Hereford and are looking forward to competing in the English National Championships in Nottingham on March 15, with other members of their club from the Anglia Academy of Tae-Kwon-Do, under the watchful eye of senior instructor, Master Tod Wurr, 6th dan.