Bath Chronicle

Club opening doors to public

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Adolescent­s, aged 10–19, are at a crucial stage in their developmen­t physically, socially, and emotionall­y.

With an increasing­ly complex and digital world around them, their experience has changed drasticall­y over the last two decades as they attempt to navigate the challenges associated. So much so, that one in seven face mental health conditions, according to the World Health Organizati­on, among possibly many more wellbeing struggles which go unnoticed.

In a world of prevalent polarisati­on, marginalis­ation, and bullying on the level of individual­s as well as within nations, it is essential that practices and environmen­ts which encourage self-esteem, self-confidence, collaborat­ive empowermen­t, and acceptance are popularise­d

Martial arts have a long history of building courageous and moral characters and training young people in the traditiona­l principles of non-violence. Taekwondo, meaning the way of the foot and the fist, was developed in the Korean peninsula to empower the people to defend their values of peace and equality when threatened by oppressors.

They saw that the combinatio­n of fostering both strength and self-control created the conditions to positively impact the world and uphold values we all hold dear. So, it evolved beyond a practice of self-defence and body exercise, into a journey of growth and dedication which helps one to overcome life’s challenges; be it study, hobbies, work, relationsh­ips, or bullying.

Bath SKY’S dojang (Korean equivalent of the Japanese ‘dojo’) is a brave space where many children, teens, and adults have nurtured virtues they didn’t know they had. A supportive environmen­t in which they can let off steam in a safe and healthy way and feel powerful without having power over one another.

At Bath SKY Taekwondo, students come together twice a week to train hard; guided by the ‘Five Tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseveran­ce, Self-control, and Indomitabl­e Spirit.’ Taekwondo is also an exciting Olympic sport with numerous medals awarded by Team GB.

Bath SKY Taekwondo is inviting everyone to try this fun and exciting martial art in a safe and friendly environmen­t at its Open Day on Saturday, starting at 10am at the University of Bath Sports Training Village. Adults and children from ten-years-old are warmly welcome to this free event which will introduce participan­ts to the basics of taekwondo.

Bath SKY Taekwondo is a not-forprofit club and an official member of British Taekwondo, the governing body for World Taekwondo in the United Kingdom (www.british taekwondo.org.uk).

Spaces for the event are limited so book your place via bathsky taekwondo.co.uk.

 ?? ?? Bath SKY Taekwondo is opening its doors on Saturday for everyone to try the sport
Bath SKY Taekwondo is opening its doors on Saturday for everyone to try the sport

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