M&M Taekwondo Academy is a hit!

Boom Buddy Family, the Hilltops, were recently gifted some taekwondo sessions by Tony at M&M Academy. Here's how they got on and why little Harry decided to continue after the trial!

We have recently discovered a FANTASTIC Taekwondo class in Little Eaton that caters for children from age 4+ to adults. We had tried a range of sports with our seven-year-old son, Harry, and it wasn’t until he tried Taekwondo that we all felt this was the one he was really going to take to. Driving home from Harry’s first lesson at the M&M Academy, he was smiling from ear to ear asking when his next lesson would be!

A proud member of the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, M&M Academy is led by 3rd Dan Blackbelt Tony. Their tagline, “Where music and martial arts strike a chord” explains the Ms, as the academy also teaches guitar, and has links to art schools too. 

We all know that sport can teach great values, but the first thing we appreciated in these lessons was the focus on the five core principles of Taekwondo, and how they can help develop our son’s character and moral values. Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit (strong and unwavering, even in the face of adversity) are discussed at the beginning of every lesson and help to develop a deep sense of respect, honesty and self-discipline. 

Harry began in Taekwondo Tigers for ages 4 to 7, and also tried out the age 8+ group. It was evident that Tony was a caring and patient teacher, helping any nervous children just starting out to feel secure and happy. Harry has already started to build confidence and connect with other children in the group and we noticed that some of the older children take great pride in volunteering to help in the younger class. 

Each week, the lessons are varied with children learning new techniques or strengthening existing ones. One lesson in particular, in preparation for striking specifically designed boards, the children were taught how to position their wrist safely, prioritising the front two knuckles, and utilising body strength by moving from the hip. There was even a demonstration including myself, prompted by Tony to dispatch an overarm swing his way, easily deflected and demonstrating the long wait of an unguided impact! After practising in pairs with safety pads, the children tried the board. It was clear that this was a strong piece of material, and even with the thin safety padding in front of it, it would take a skilled person to break it through. Yet, child after child succeeded. Tony taught about mindset, self-belief, technique and speed. Where even an adult may fail, young children were triumphant, and you could really feel the sense of pride and togetherness in the room. The session ended with the group sitting in a circle, and discussing what they had learnt, before bowing to each other as a mark of respect. 

Harry has since returned week after week, each time enjoying his new learnings and looking forward to the next session. We’ve even arranged for his Taekwondo uniform to arrive in time for his birthday, and we know it will be a present that brings a huge smile to his face. Over time, we look forward to him advancing through his colour belt gradings, and who knows, even participating in the many championships that the M&M Academy enter. 

Kamsahamnida (thank you) for reading!