Sunday saw members of Warwick & Leamington TKD take part in the T-UK Central Area coloured belt block grading, conducted by T-UK President Master John Archer.
The September grading is traditionally one of our smaller gradings. Following the summer break, we only put students forward who have maintained their training, demonstrated the required technical standard and successfully completed our own club pre-test.
A belt promotion should be earned, not simply expected because enough time has passed.
This time, 14 of our members were selected to grade, and we are extremely pleased with their performances and the standard they demonstrated on the day.
This weekend, several of our instructors from Warwick & Leamington TKD travelled to Bedford to attend the 196th International Instructor Course.
The event brought together instructors from 16 different countries, creating an outstanding opportunity to train, exchange knowledge and continue developing alongside Taekwon-Do practitioners from around the world.
At Warwick & Leamington TKD, we believe that development should never stop, regardless of rank or experience. The same commitment and dedication we expect from our students is something we also expect from ourselves as instructors.
The image is simple, but the message is not.
On one side, a child sits absorbed in a screen, passive, slouched, disengaged, awake too late. Or they’re out with the wrong people, pulled into peer pressure and negative influence. On the other side, a child trains, focused, disciplined, learning standards, respect, and that actions have consequences. It’s positive growth and development, built day by day, week by week.
The difference between those two paths is not chance, It’s choice.
The modern distraction
Today’s world is designed to capture attention. Screens are immediate, easy, and endlessly stimulating. Left unchecked, they become the default. At the same time, there’s increasing pressure from unsociable behaviour and gang culture, especially when children feel bored, ignored, or disconnected.
At Warwick & Leamington TKD, we believe that every individual deserves to feel safe and confident in their surroundings. That’s why we were thrilled to celebrate International Women's Day by delivering an empowering self-defence workshop at Royal Enfield Motor Cycles in Lutterworth. The energy and enthusiasm from the attendees were truly infectious.
Why a Self-Defence Day is Essential for Corporates
In today’s world, equipping employees with self-defence skills is not just a smart move; it’s a vital investment in their well-being. Our workshop was designed to foster confidence, enhance awareness, and impart practical skills that can make a significant difference in potentially dangerous situations.
A fantastic weekend for the club. I couldn’t be prouder of our members this weekend at the ITF England National Championships!
To all our competitors, a huge well done. The standards were extremely high at the competition, and we saw some excellent results winning 31 medals in total, 7 of these being gold medals and 13 silver medals.
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of joy, and periods of struggle. We all encounter times that are difficult and painful, filled with frustrations, disappointments, and hurt. These feelings are not just fleeting; they are real and significant. However, what defines us is how we respond during these challenging times.
Character Revealed in Adversity
At Warwick & Leamington TKD, we believe that true character is revealed not in moments of ease, but in how we face challenge. Our curriculum goes beyond the physical techniques of martial arts; it aims to nurture and develop each individual holistically. While other martial arts clubs may focus solely on skill or self-defence, our approach is uniquely comprehensive.
This morning, I had the privilege of delivering a 90-minute presentation to the NHS Retirement Fellowship at All Saints Church in Vicarage Fields in Warwick where about 30 attentive members joined us. Despite being a mature audience, the subjects we discussed remain highly relevant, particularly considering the vulnerabilities that some seniors may face in today’s society.
Older adults can be perceived as easier targets for robbery and assault, making it even more crucial to equip them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. During the session, we explored several key areas, including:
I would like to extend our thanks to Warwick NHS Hospital for the opportunity to deliver a self-defence workshop to their clinical staff.
During the workshop, we covered several key concepts including:
Situational Awareness: Understanding one's environment and recognising potential threats.
Concentric Rings of Disturbance: A framework to assess the level of risk in various situations.
Conflict Management: Techniques to de-escalate potentially violent encounters.
We transitioned into practical physical intervention techniques. Participants learned effective striking methods and release techniques for various grabs and restraints. The energy in the room was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see everyone engaging, learning, and having fun while acquiring these important self-defence skills.
We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to the 36 dedicated students from our two clubs who participated in the T-UK Central Region promotion test this past Sunday. It was an excellent day showcasing skills our students have developed over the year.
Completing a promotion test requires not only physical and technical ability but also mental strength, dedication and perseverance. We commend each of you for your hard work and commitment, which have paid off. Your success is a testament to the hours of practice, both in the dojang and at home.
In light of the recent, shocking events in Birmingham and Huntingdon, it has never been more important to prioritise safety and well-being. Self-defence is not just a skill; it's a vital mindset that empowers people to face today’s uncertainties with confidence.
We are running our last intensive one-day self-defence course for 2025 in December. It is designed specifically for women to learn essential skills to protect yourself in today’s world, where safety is paramount.
