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.
This past weekend, our dedicated team from Warwick & Leamington TKD made us incredibly proud at the T-UK English Championships held in Manchester. For some of our competitors, this was their first experience in a tournament setting, and they truly rose to the challenge.
Last Sunday marked another milestone for our club as we attended a successful coloured belt grading at North Leamington School in the T-UK Central area. We want to extend our congratulations to all 26 members who participated in this event.
At Warwick & Leamington TKD, we pride ourselves on our progressive and effective improvement program designed to prepare every student for grading. This structured approach ensures that each member receives the guidance and training they need to excel. Our assessment process adheres to strict standards, allowing us to select students who are truly ready for promotion. This rigorous preparation is key to building confidence and skill in our members.
We recently hosted an incredible women's only self-defense course in March, bringing together 20 enthusiastic participants for a day of empowerment and skill-building. This event was not just about learning techniques; it was about fostering confidence, awareness, and resilience in everyday life.
Well done to all our members who attended the England ITF Grandmaster seminar hosted by the T-UK in Stratford Upon Avon, great support and enthusiasm from the club as always.
The seminar was led by Grandmasters Ellis and Nardizzi. The seminar was broken down in to two halves coloured belts followed by a black belt only seminar. Each seminar consisted of a technical deep dive into all aspects of TKD.
When it comes to personal safety, the difference between vulnerability and security often lies in your ability to recognise threats early and respond effectively. By combining strategic frameworks like the OODA Loop, Cooper’s Colour Code, and Concentric Rings of Disturbance, you can cultivate a dynamic and layered approach to self-defence.
