Airdrie Taekwon-Do Club's rapid rise

Jul 2 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AIRDRIE Taekwon-Do Club have gone from strength to strength since forming just five years ago.

Jim Little, a 4th Dan International instructor, and Linda Bain, a 2nd Dan National assistant instructor, set up the club in order to pass on their expertise and knowledge of the Korean martial art.

And since then, students of all ages have faithfully attended classes as they look to achieve their own personal goals.

On average, around 18-20 students participate in both junior and senior classes.

Sessions involve learning and developing physical aspects of TKD such as sparring, patterns and power tests.

But there is also a theoretical aspect which all students must take part in to achieve promotion.

In addition, members regularly attend national seminars and gradings where they get the chance to meet new people and learn different TKD techniques.

The club’s progress to date has been eye-catching and at a recent tournament, a total of 13 medals were won.

Back in March, Jim and Linda along with three members; Kieran Chambers, Julie Savage and Elidth Turner attended an intense three-day black belt national seminar/grading in Glasgow.

Senior Grand Master, Rhee Ki Ha OCM, the man who introduced TKD to the UK in 1967, assessed the five Airdrie club participants with the student trio earning 1st Dan black belt status.

Linda said: “Hopefully, the success of all students can inspire present students, some of whom are well into preparation for future promotions, and also to encourage new interest from others.”

The club’s most recent successes were at the Scottish Championships held at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall on Saturday, June 21.

In the senior section, John Clarke won a silver medal for sparring and a bronze medal for patterns.

There were plenty of medals handed out in the junior section of the competition with Amy Davidson’s performance in sparring earning her the gold medal.

Ryan Sweeney claimed a silver in sparring and a bronze for special technique.

Elidth clinched two bronze medals for sparring and special technique with bronzes going to Natasha Cairney and Michael Robertson for special technique and sparring respectively.

Club training sessions are held every Thursday and Friday night.

Junior classes run from 6.30pm until 7.45pm with seniors participating between 7.45pm and 9.30pm.

Anyone interested in learning self-defence and more about TKD should contact Jim on (01236) 603722.