Jack gearing up for big test

Jack Spall continues his martial arts journey to the ninth open Tae-kwon-do World Championships in September where he will be representing England against the top practitioners from 40 countries.

Jack Spall continues his martial arts journey to the ninth open Tae-kwon-do World Championships in September where he will be representing England against the top practitioners from 40 countries.

Jack has had an eventful weekend, having just competed at the Midlands championships in Kettering.

The 12-year-old, who attends Attleborough High School, competed, as usual, in the under 16s category and had roaring success by winning a third place trophy in technical patterns out of 60 in his category.

In the sparring events he yet again steamed ahead getting through to a very difficult semi-final bout where the match left Jack sustaining a painful injury after receiving a strong side piercing kick to the stomach, causing the match to be stopped for five minutes while officials checked him over.

He managed to overcome the injury and keep it protected to win a successful victory to get him through to the final.

This was also another tough match only to be beaten by 15-year-old Wayne Bradshaw from Liverpool by just two points.

Jack said: 'It was a pleasure to be up against such a top-class fighter as Wayne as I've watched him compete many times. To be in the final with him was a privilege and can't wait till we meet again.

'Currently my training is regime of three hours every night at various locations all over Norfolk.

'As the school term will soon be finished I will be concentrating my time on working harder for the world championships.'