Quest Taekwondo’s Michael Taylor has been promoted to 1st kup red/black belt and now looks forward to taking his black belt examination in 2013.

Taylor’s achievement is notable due to the fact that he is profoundly deaf and has severe short-term memory loss.

Deafness effects balance and coordination as well as the expected communication challenges.

Short-term memory loss has implications on all aspects of training, especially learning Poomsae and set techniques.

Instructor Karl Mann said: “His success to date demonstrates the spirit seen recently in London at the Paralympics and shows what can be achieved through determination and hard work.

“No dispensation was requested for Michael and though the examiner was informed of his condition Michael took exactly the same test as any other candidate would have done at that grade.

“Michael is an excellent role model to us all.”