Black-belting Taekwondo achievement for Thornton schoolboy
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Seven-year-old Cameron Boffey, a pupil at Stanah Primary School in Thornton, achieved his junior black belt (poom) on Saturday (October 10) after training with Northern Taekwondo Club for the past four years.
Cameron started classes at his school breakfast club at the age of four, and has attended the club both there and at Millfield School three times a week since.
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Hide AdHis "remarkable" achievement came after the coronavirus lockdown halted physical classes - but fortunately he was able to continue learning through Zoom.
Mum Kristy Boffey, admin staff at Stanah Primary, said: "We were very emotional and incredibly proud when he got his junior black belt.
"During lockdown he was unable to train in person, but he continued to train with his club on Zoom encouraged by his master and other instructors.
"It's just an amazing achievement for someone so young. His older brother Oliver also has a junior black belt and inspired him."
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Hide AdAs in-person classes gradually resumed following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Cameron began attending again before being awarded the belt at a physical Taekwondo grading.
He showcased his kicking techniques, blocks, patterns, and a prearranged sparring session without a partner due to social distancing guidelines.
Lee Heyes, Cameron's Taekwondo master and owner of the club, explained that other than his daughter Ella, he could not recall anyone as young as Cameron ever achieving the belt through Northern Taekwondo.
He said: "Ella was seven when she got hers, but obviously she had me teaching her every day - so for Cameron to get it at his age is amazing.
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Hide Ad"He is very dedicated, he's had amazing motor skills since he started at four years old, and he's always been very confident and focused which are incredible qualities for such a young child.
"Anything above a green belt is very tricky, but at his grading he could do all of his patterns without any help.
"It's very rare to see someone his age perform at that level. It shows his commitment and he did an amazing job."