A new Taekwondo martial arts club has opened in Greengates, with member Donna Grundy impressing in her first regional competition.

Coach Karl Mann was full of praise for the 16-year-old from Bradford after she competed in a one-on-one event at the Doncaster Dome.

He said: “Although Donna (pictured) came second, she fought with extreme courage after taking some very hard hits to the body and head.

“The girl she fought appeared to have more experience than they made out, plus she was 8kg heavier and four inches taller than Donna.

“After the first round it was suggested that the fight shouldn’t carry on but, knowing how committed Donna is to Taekwondo, it was her decision to carry on into the second round and she took more blows.

"It can be very daunting for people having their first competition and you will more or less lose more than you will win. There are those who get over it and carry on with their training and train even harder and Donna is one of those people.”

Mann is hoping the club can take off ahead of London 2012.

He said: “I’m hoping it makes a really good impact in the area. We need to put together a team and, with the Olympics coming up as well, we’re trying to get as many people interested in the sport as possible.”