2010 taekwondo
We practice WTF Taekwondo which is represented in the Olympics. Class is taught
by Instructor Matt Stein who trained under GrandMaster Fred Lee in the 1970's in
London and GrandMaster Dung LeVan from 1980-90's in Bristol. Students from as
young as 5 can start their training. The classes are mixed in terms of age and
grade with adults training alongside children. The club is run on simple
principles both old and new. The five tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity,
Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable Spirit are taught. Matt's approach is
serious but not overly strict. The focus remains on technique and practical
application of self-defence. It is intended that through repetitive training,
the skills and techniques required to defend oneself will be learned. The
addition of competition sparring sharpens the reactions and helps to refine
technical skills. Not all students want to fight so in this modern era of
martial arts they too are accommodated. There are many aspects of martial arts
and not all are about fighting. Some students come to boost self-esteem and
confidence. This can be achieved simply by participating and refining technical
skills. One-step sparring and patterns are a good way to learn this. The
Self-defence class has now closed and in it's place is the new Taekwondo Games
class. This class is essentially for the younger students to channel their
energy into a branch of the art form. The class will consist of an essential
warm up of muscles and joints, followed by technical punches, blocks and
kicking. This will lead onto a series of fun and lightly competitive games, some
solo, others in groups. Light sparring can be done by those who want to.
Congratulations to Rowan, Logan and Ava who all reached 3rd Dan grades in April
2022. They have all been shining stars throughout their training and now help in
teaching too. They have become wonderful ambassadors to the club.
