Association, after they were promoted by the art's world governing body.

The Korea-based World Taekwondo Federation promoted Richard Smith to fifth dan black belt master instructor, Axel Bubenzer to fourth dan black belt and Laurie Zuill to third dan black belt.

Smith, the president and head instructor of the Pembroke Community Club-based BTA, is the first Bermudian to achieve that level of master instructor under the certification of the WTF.

The trio rounded off years of preparation with a final week of gruelling training in Connecticut under the supervision of Master Dr. Sang H. Kim, before being presented to the Supreme Board of Promotion of the WTF in Korea for evaluation.

The BTA school has been in operation for nearly 20 years and is a member of the WTF, the Pan American Taekwondo Union, Bermuda Martial Arts Federation and the Bermuda Olympic Association.

Going up in the world: The three promoted black belt members of the Bermuda Taekwondo Association are pictured with their tutors. From left are Axel Bubenzer, Carlos Sanchez, Master Dr. Sang H. Kim, Master Richard Smith, Laurie Zuill.