On Saturday, 25th September, the ETA National Black Belt Gradings were held at Bedford Athletic Stadium, Bedford (MK41 9SB). The event brought together a wide range of students and senior instructors from across the UK, including many travelling from outside London to take part.
For Silverback Taekwondo, this grading marked a major milestone — for the first time in our school’s history, nine students participated in black belt gradings on the same day. In addition, Mr Nahid Uddin took part in the grading for his 2nd Degree Black Belt.
We are incredibly proud of all those who stepped up to this important challenge. Their dedication and perseverance continue to inspire our growing Silverback community.
Our students getting ready with warm-ups and final preparations before the grading began.
The grading was overseen by a distinguished panel of judges, including two Grand Masters — Grandmaster Orello Ellis (9th Dan) and Grandmaster Tom Denis (9th Dan) — bringing exceptional experience and authority to the event.
Our students who were testing for their Black Belt went through a gruelling 3-hour examination, demonstrating all their patterns, performing 2-step and 1-step sparring, and completing a thorough theory assessment.
Our instructors, Mr. K. Uddin (4th Dan) and Mr. Hussain (2nd Dan), observe the intense grading process with keen interest.
Some of our star students who took on the gruelling grading — well done to all who participated!
We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and progress over the years. For us, it’s not just about passing—being involved and giving your best effort is already a win. Watching them evolve, advancing from one grade to the next, is truly inspiring. Their hard work and commitment continue to shine, and we look forward to seeing their growth in the future.
As you progress in Taekwondo, gradings can feel tougher and the emotions stronger. The more you care, the more it can sting if the result isn’t what you hoped for. That feeling is normal — it shows your passion and commitment.
Remember, even many masters and senior black belts didn’t pass the first time. What set them apart wasn’t a perfect record, but the perseverance to come back, learn, and improve.
A grading result is just one moment. It doesn’t define your worth or your future in Taekwondo. Take a breath, reflect, and step back onto the mats. Every experience — win or setback — makes you stronger, more resilient, and closer to the martial artist you aim to become.