TAVISTOCK Taekwon-do martial artist Tate Budge travelled to London to attend the annual UK International Taekwon-Do Federation national awards and training day.

This glittering event celebrates the achievements of those within the UK ITF over the last 12 months and contributions to Taekwon-do.

Tate was awarded his ten year service medal for his own contribution to Taekwon-do as well as being named runner up in the UK ITF national student of the year.

His father Dave Budge told the Times: ‘This was a surprise nomination but to be recognised in this way by his peers, masters and instructors is a fantastic achievement and one he is extremely proud of.’

Tate (16) is currently the top ranked national competitor in the UK for under 18’s third degree patterns and U18’s middle weight sparring.

He continues to devide his time training between St Austell,  Tavistock and Bristol as well as regular trips to London to train with grand master Nicholls (on the left of the photo with Tate).

The next national competition is at the end of February and Tate hopes to cement his place in Team UK for the third year running ahead of the UK ITF World Championships later in the year, where he hopes to repeat his world title win of 2014 in Rome.