Martial arts for the mind, body and soul

Defensive combat is just one part of Taekwon-Do.

A lot of it is about the mind as well as the body, says Cambridge’s Evan Davidson.

The Cambridge International Taekwon-Do Club has been running since 2008 and they are looking for more members.

‘‘We’re trying to target seniors, or people that used to train competitively in a combat sport but want to just keep their hand in it to maintain their fitness,’’ he said.

But new people are welcome too, from the of age seven onwards, of any ability.

‘‘It’s normally something that people start, and then they get to a certain point and they fizzle out. You’ve got to keep striving towards a goal.’’

Davidson started Taekwon-Do in 1972 and is still involved now he’s over the age of 60.

‘‘It’s about the mind and the body, not just the defensive combat.

‘‘We do yoga as well, and in martial arts we really connect physically and mentally,’’ he said.

‘‘I know it is so competitive out there now with the cycling and rowing being big sports in the Waipa district and the benefits of practising traditional martial arts like Taekwon-Do are, I believe, not that well known.’’

The classes are Monday and Thursday nights at the Senior Citizens Hall from 6pm - 7.30pm.