THE United Martial Arts Academy are celebrating after 11 of their members were awarded black belts at Manningham Sports Centre – the culmination of years of dedication and commitment to taekwondo.

Umar Khan, who had taken up the sport 15 years ago but quit after a year, has regretted it since.

However, he since vowed that his niece Iqra Ahmed and nephew Samar Iqbal would not quit when he enrolled them into his former class, and sure enough they were among the 11 awarded their black belts.

United instructor Mohammed Zamoord Sabar had just attended the UK Martial arts show in Doncaster, where the club's contribution to martial arts in Bradford was recognised during an awards ceremony presented by American martial movie stars and world champions Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez and Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace, who had both starred in movies with Jackie Chan.

Sabar said: “It’s a dream come true. I used to watch martial arts movies when I was younger.

"These guys inspired me. Their technique is amazing, the kicks were fascinating to see on the silver screen and meeting them in person was surreal.

"It's important not to give up after nearly 30 years of being involved in martial arts.

"I am still teaching and learning, and every day is a new day.

"As they say, a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit.

"I just hope that one of my students makes me famous one day!”

Further information is available from Zam on 07852-897509 or at info@unitedmartialart.co.uk.