A SOUTH Cheshire College student is proving he has all the right moves in the world of taekwondo.

Action man Jonny May has earned black belt in the popular sport and has tasted success in a number of national and international competitions.

His triumphs include a World Sparring Championship title at junior level in the Taekwondo World Championships in Birmingham and the under-16s title at the British Championships in 2007.

He also became North Midlands champion at adult level in July this year and has his sights set on more silverware.

Jonny is being backed in his latest quest for glory by the college’s Gifted and Talented programme, which is helping to fund his competition costs for the British Taekwondo Championships in November.

The Learner Support Fund has also been supporting Jonny with competition fees and transport costs to and from training sessions.

Jonny, a former Brine Leas High School student, has been practicing taekwondo for almost four years and is a member of Leslie Wright’s Taekwondo School.

Jonny, aged 16, said: “I love taekwondo because it’s not just a martial art it’s a sport as well and good fun.

“When I was at school I played football but I wasn’t particularly strong at sport but practicing this regularly has helped me to improve at other sports and has boosted my fitness and confidence massively.

“I train up to four times a week and as I’ve developed I’ve been able to enter more and more competitions up and down the country and further-a-field.

“I love the competition and the club is very friendly – you’re encouraged and taught all the right techniques.”

Jonny’s mum Nicola has supported him all the way with his taekwondo and other sporting activities.

She said: “When Jonny was young he was very shy but taekwondo has given him a lot more confidence.

“He had difficulty through primary school performing well in sport and experienced problems with his knees, posture and lower limbs, but intensive physiotherapy and his own will power and determination has helped him come through with flying colours.”

Jonny has been invited to train with the British national squad in the run-up to the British Championships in Cardiff.

His burning ambition is to become a full time member of the British Taekwondo squad at adult level and to represent Britain in international competitions across the globe.

He added: “I’m delighted to have passed my black belt and it’s a real achievement because this is what I’ve been working so hard towards.

“Being invited to train with the British squad is also a great honour and hopefully it’s the start of what’s to come.”