Birkby-based Premier Taekwondo showed their strength at the Yorkshire Open Sparring competition, sprinkling gold among their 11-medal haul.

The club’s three British champions – Aaliyah Powell, Charlotte Simpson and Alex Needham – went to the tournament knowing they would be a target for people wanting to prove themselves.

All three returned with gold medals, however, to underline their national titles, with Powell taking the peewee -33kg crown, Simpson the peewee +38kg prize and Needham the Seniors -63kg section.

Tim Needham, fresh from a silver medal in the Croatian A Class Open and representing Great Britain in the Junior Europeans, stepped up two weight divisions at -51kg.

He 12-pointed his opponent, stopping the fight in round three, to also gain gold.

Kyle Sharp (peewee novice +39kg), fighting in his first tournament, stormed to victory to take Premier’s fifth gold of the event.

Premier coach Master Mosy, 5th Dan, said: “Many of my players had worked so hard to get their black belts the previous weekend that I didn’t think they would be ready to spar.

“It’s a testament to their dedication they performed so well. I’m really proud of all of them.”

As well as the gold medals, Kyla Julien, Rebecca Khawaja, Jamie McIntosh, Camran Hassan and Sara Jalali all put in strong performances to get silver medals, alongside a bronze from Caden Cunningham, who was unlucky with the draw and was up against a multi-winning British champion (a fight many believe should have been the final).

Anyone interested in joining Premier Taekwondo can ring Master Mosy on 07985 293316 for details on how to get involved in the sport.