NO matter what the setbacks 'dreams can come true' in sport if you are determined enough - thats the example of a gutsy Tavistock martial artist who has just earned a well deserved black belt.

Emma Garrod-Pullar from Tavistock has won prestigious award in kickboxing at Master St James Black Belt academy in Plymouth three days before her 18th birthday.

The former Tavistock College pupil, who now attends City College in Plymouth undertaking an advanced BTEC in social care and hoping for a career in occupational therapist, has been training at the academy for five years and dreamt to have her primary black belt before her 18th birthday.  What makes her effort so remarkable is that Emma has had to compete with one finger missing, and because of an MRSA condition, she is about to lose another. In five years she has had four operations - but that doesn't deter the resilient martial artist.

Emma's journey through the martial arts system has not been an easy one and the black belt she now wears is, she says 'the light at the end of the tunnel.'

However, Emma's tunnel has not ended quite yet and, after losing a finger a year ago due to severe infection — three weeks before gaining her black belt she was informed that she would be losing another. 

'I put myself under pressure to achieve my goal and was not willing to let my hand hold me back any further, I have adapted to many things to work through the problems with my hand and have worked so hard for the belt I now wear."

'My hand has held me back in many things, but I have always been determined to overcome the obstacles in my way. I have learnt to write with my other hand and I spent half a year kickboxing with one hand.

'Shortly I will be going back to boxing one handed but I look forward to the day that I can train with two hands and without problems again.' 

'I couldn't thank the academy enough for all they have done for me, it's an amazing environment with amazing and talented people walking through the door everyday. I am so happy to be a part of it and be able to achieve my goals with the encouragement and support of an academy behind me.'

She obviously has a strength of mind to overcome any obstacles in way in order to achieve her goals.

Emma continued: 'Barriers are there to be broken down, if you really set your mind to something and work hard for it you'll get there, I got there and it feels amazing.

'Being treated differently was definitely a major concern for me, I want to achieve on my own merit without leniencies and special treatment, achieving my black belt means so much more to me than status and rank, it is confirmation that determination and support can overcome barriers in all situations and really can make dreams come true.'

Emma, is an active supporter of SURF (Service Users Recovery Forum), which helps people suffering from mental distress.

The charity was set up by her mother, Claire Garrod-Pullar, who herself has post-traumatic stress disorder.

Emma's older brother Ben, is autistic — so his sister is keen to support SURF and plans to highlight its cause through her kickboxing and fundraising efforts.

Anton St James, her instructor at the Master St James Black Belt academy praised Emma for both her physical achievements and her mental attitude.

He said: 'Despite Emma being down on some occasions she has got through it and to just get her black belt was a huge goal for her. That sort of drive has helped her get through the difficulties and she thoroughly deserves her primary black belt.

'There are three levels why people take up martial arts - for their own personal achievement, to go on to teach or take part in competitions. With Emma we have high hopes for her on what ever level she chooses.'

Emma is having an operation in the new year and will be out of kickboxing action for many months but no doubt, she will be back working, training and competing as soon as she can — alive and kicking!

n Anyone interested in martial arts can contact the Master St James Black Belt Academy on 01752 262233.