Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do is celebrating an incredible achievement after club member Anthony Sage-Adkins returned from the Tang Soo Do World Championships in Chicago as the Adult Male Gup World Grand Champion.
The club, which has been based at Cherry Hinton Village Leisure Centre since opening in 2009, is part of the thriving community at the centre, which is run by GLL, the charitable social enterprise. The centre provides a welcoming environment where local people can improve their fitness, confidence and skills, while community clubs such as Tang Soo Do give members the opportunity to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships and achieve at the highest level.
Anthony first began training at Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do around 15 years ago, before taking a ten-year break from martial arts. Since returning to the club, he has shown exceptional dedication, progressing to blue belt, recently testing for his black belt and supporting the club by assisting with teaching junior students.
Representing both Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do and Great Britain Tang Soo Do (Team GB), Anthony competed in the Adult Male 17–34 division across Forms, Weapons and Sparring. His hard work paid off when he was crowned World Grand Champion, achieving the very goal he had hoped for, although he never truly expected to reach the top.
When his name was announced, Anthony was left speechless and absolutely over the moon. After months of intense preparation, it was a moment of immense pride and emotion for Anthony, his coaches, fellow students and everyone connected with the club.
The achievement is a fantastic reflection of the supportive sporting environment at Cherry Hinton Village Leisure Centre and the opportunities available to the local community through its clubs and activities. For Anthony to represent Cambridge and Team GB on the world stage and return home as a World Grand Champion is a remarkable achievement, not only for him and Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do, but also for the wider community.
Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do is led by Master Bill Halliday and Miss Zoe Halliday and specialises in self-defence-focused martial arts training. Alongside technical development, students are encouraged to build discipline, confidence, fitness and resilience, creating an environment in which members of all ages can progress.
Zoe Halliday comments, “Everyone at Cherry Hinton Tang Soo Do is immensely proud of Anthony and all he has achieved. His success is a real testament to his dedication, perseverance and commitment to his training.
“To see one of our students represent Cambridge and Team GB on the world stage and return home as a World Grand Champion is incredibly special. We are so proud of Anthony and hope his achievement inspires other members of our club to see what they can achieve through hard work, determination and being part of our Tang Soo Do community.”
