MOST couples have the occasional fight - but not all are martial arts black belts. Fortunately when Becky and Steve Dearlove spar, it is strictly non-contact.

Steve, 38, is the instructor at Gorse Hill Tae kwon-do club and hopes to be promoted to third Dan black belt next month.

Becky, 19, runs her own class at Headlands School, Cricklade Road, and is also a black belt.

She recently won a gold medal at the Puma English Championships in Stoke-on-Trent, after using only her bare hands to smash a piece of pine two inches thick.

The couple live in Linden Avenue, Pinehurst and met through their shared interest in Tae kwon-do.

Steve said: "We spar together because it is good to have a bit of a work out but we stick to non-contact.

"It would be too dangerous to have a proper fight as I'm coming up to my third Dan it will take another four years for Becky to catch me up."

Tae kwon-do is a form of martial art that originated in Korea. According to Steve it is like a more acrobatic form of karate and involves lots of jumping and spinning.

He said: "I enjoy meeting different people and seeing them flourish all the way from being a beginner to completing their Dan grades.

"We've got quite a few people coming up to their black belts at our club now."

Steve said he would encourage anybody wishing to try the martial arts to go along to some sessions and choose the discipline most suited to them.

He added: "One of the benefits of the martial arts is that they are confidence-building.

"You build confidence in yourself to walk down the street and not look at the ground or be afraid.

"There is also the fitness element - you become a lot stronger and a lot fitter, although you don't have to be especially fit at the start."

Becky said: "I just do it because I enjoy it.

"It's good for your self confidence."

On the subject of breaking blocks of wood with her bare hands, she said: "It's good fun and when everyone watches you, you get a big clap.

"It's real achievement as well."

For information about Tae kwon-do lessons call Steve on 07977 008425.