As always, the club has seen a very busy start to the year. With both competitions and gradings to prepare for, we jumped into the New Year with plenty on the horizon. Those preparing for competitions, gradings — or both in some cases — worked extremely hard with very little time after the Christmas break. The preparation was a real team effort, and we are grateful to every member who supported others, helped teach, or simply set the example of what good training should look like.

With Spring now just around the corner, the calendar begins to quieten down for most, giving everyone some time to rest and reflect before we push on again towards the next events.

South-West Championships

The first Sunday in February brought our first competition of the year. Exeter Eagles took 21 competitors and 1 referee to Weston-super-Mare for the South-West Championships, and the team spirit on the day was incredible.

We’re so proud of every single competitor — whether it was your first competition or you’re a seasoned fighter. The team came away with an amazing 15 medals and finished second overall in the medal table, just behind Northern Ireland.

Huge congratulations to our medal winners:

• Laila — Gold in Sparring & Gold in Patterns
• Joshua — Silver in Sparring
• Ela — Gold in Sparring
• Zosia — Silver in Sparring
• Luna — Silver in Sparring
• Peter — Bronze in Sparring
• Rafa — Silver in Sparring
• Aga — Silver in Team Sparring
• Gemma — Bronze in Sparring
• Sarah — Silver in Sparring & Silver in Patterns
• Ethan — Silver in Sparring & Silver in Patterns
• Cassie — Bronze in Sparring

Amazing support from the whole team, and as always it was great to see the wider South-West TAGB family.

Colour Belt Grading

The Sunday following the competition saw our first Colour Belt Grading of 2026. We’re delighted to say that all 18 students passed, each showing confidence, pride, and the results of weeks of hard work. Many were preparing alongside the South-West Championships too, which makes this achievement even more impressive. We couldn’t be prouder of you all.

Congratulations to our promotions:

• 1st Kup: Erin
• 2nd Kup: Cameron
• 3rd Kup: Joshua & Sarah
• 4th Kup: Henry & Isaac
• 5th Kup: Matilda, Amelie, Aimee, Neil & Peter
• 7th Kup: Clara, Faryn, Jasper & Tristan
• 8th Kup: Steve
• 9th Kup: Isabella & Ethan

We also had an incredible 7 A-Passes — extra well done to Cameron, Sarah, Matilda, Neil, Steve, Isabella & Ethan.

Black Belts

This is a reminder for all Black Belts that the first training sessions for this half of the year are coming up. It’s important to attend one of the two available sessions in order to avoid any delay with your next Dan grading. Please ensure you book onto one of the following:

Sunday 29th March (4 venues to choose from)
Booking link: HERE

Sunday 12th April — Weston-super-Mare
Booking link: HERE

Please also check that the slip in the front of your licence book is up to date. If you require a new one, please let Miss Searle know as soon as possible.

Key Dates — Coming Up Soon

• Sunday 15th March — English Championships
Good luck to Ethan who is competing!

• Sunday 22nd March — Black Belt Pre-Grading
Laila will be stepping up to the challenge of her Black Belt grading, and this event marks the start of that process. Be sure to wish her luck when you see her in class.

• Saturday 28th March — European Championships
A HUGE good luck to Laila & Ethan who are making the journey to Davos to take part in this incredible international event.

• Saturday 4th April — No Tigers Class (Easter Weekend)

• Monday 6th April — No Training (Easter Monday)

Thank you to everyone for your continued hard work, commitment, and support so far this year. The strength of our club comes from the effort, encouragement, and positivity shown by our students, families, and instructors every week in class and at events. We’re incredibly proud of everything already achieved in these first months of 2026 and look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings. Keep training hard, supporting one another, and representing the club with the same fantastic attitude.