Photo: Fishponds Taekwondo Academy in Lyde Green. (Photo supplied by Fishponds Taekwondo Academy).

A martial arts team from Lyde Green is celebrating after its members won 28 medals at a national competition.

Students aged from seven to 50 from Fishponds Taekwondo Academy took part in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) UK Spring National Championships.

The team returned from the event held at SGS College, Filton, with gold, silver and bronze medals for patterns and sparring in junior and adult categories.

And several students, which train at Lyde Green Community Centre after moving to the area two years ago, have also been promoted to higher ranks after successfully grading.

Indomitable spirit

Instructor Gavin Reader, who has achieved the rank of 2nd degree Black Belt in the Korean-based martial art, said: “It’s nice to win medals but it’s more important to take part and give it your best effort, while learning from the experience and having fun.

“It takes courage to compete and we are proud of our team who work hard, while reflecting the Taekwondo tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.”

And 13 students also competed in the Elite Martial Arts Professionals (EMAP) Open Championship, which is open to a range of martial arts styles.

Students who took part at the event at Thornbury Leisure Centre came away with 15 medals – split evenly between gold, silver and bronze.

Gavin, who has been a sports coach for two decades and also works as a project manager for the NHS, said: “It’s great to see the students’ development. They also have fun – it’s a great activity for physical and mental wellbeing.”

Students have also successfully passed their recent grading – ranging from Gen X four to seven-year-olds training foundations to 2^nd degree Black Belt promotion, which means they can serve as assistant instructors.

Family friendly club

 

Dad-of-three Gavin took up took up the martial art, which emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental strength, when his two daughters started the sport as young children.

Fellow instructor Simon Herrington, who has achieved the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt, also joined Taekwondo when his young daughter signed-up.

Simon, who has been a senior project manager for 36 years, said: “We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly club and have many siblings, as well as parents and children, train together.”

Health benefits of Taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

·         The group, which is led by accredited and experienced instructors, trains at Lyde Green Community Centre every Wednesday and Friday. The first lesson is FREE.

• For more information, contact Gavin on 07500764276 or email fishpondstkd@hgbp.uk.com Alternatively, visit fishpondstkd.co.uk or Fishponds Taekwondo Academy Facebook or Instagram page.

 

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