Grading was conducted by Scott Antonio, who is a fourth Dan Black belt from the Ballarat South East Tae Kwon Do club.

Students train weekly under Ararat instructor Matt Brady. Brady is a fourth Dan Black Belt with over 20 years instructing experience.

They were graded on their ability to perform a series of patterns within each grade as well as self-defence techniques. Effort, fitness and attitude were also graded. 

Students successful in passing were: 10th grade to eighth: Greta Hamilton, Freddie Hamilton, Dallas McKay, Cody McKay, Zac Spicer, Emma McCready, Tamyka Beaton, Samuel McCready; Eighth to seventh: Trinity Austin, Jake Taylor, Keira Weber; Seventh to sixth: Jackson Harris; Fifth to fourth: Erin Hoffman, Corey Moran; Fourth to third: Henry Read-Spinks, Rod Spinks. 

ARARAT Tae Kwon Do Club also has a new home at 110 Rundell Street.

Brady, with the support of his wife, has set up his own training venue with 270 square meters of space, equipping it with a range of items including new high density martial arts foam matting, two weight gyms, two treadmills, disabled amenities and a kitchenette.

The couple plan to expand their classes, adding a Saturday morning timeslot to the current Monday (6:30pm-8pm) and Wednesday (6:30pm-8:30pm) lessons. 

“As we grow, our plan is to make an outdoor obstacle course to hold self-defence classes for the general public,” Matt Brady said. 

A personal trainer may also move into the venue, creating a great environment for people to enjoy and achieve their own fitness goals. 

The club has already hired the venue out to Brazilian jiu-jitsu club instructor Ben Mills. Mills trains Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-7.30pm, and he also plans to start up a Saturday morning class. Ben has trained the past five years and after finding no jiu-jitsu locally, decided to start his own club. 

Anyone interested in trying Brazilian jiu-jitsu can phone Ben on 0439 401 980. Contact Matt on 0408 336 962 for more tae kwon do information.