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Families have new way to find respect

by Stuart Greer
16/ 7/2008

MOVE over Bruce and Brandon Lee, for there are a number of new martial arts dynasties being formed under one roof in Failsworth.

The Tang So Do Family Martial Arts Centre is packing a remarkable punch with dozens of mums, dads, sons and daughters now training together.

And, while learning how to defend themselves, instructors promote non-violent resolutions to conflict, teach the history of Kung Fu, how to speak a smattering of Korean, and reward good behaviour – at home and school – among younger members.

No wonder then that parents like Caroline Cherrington have seen remarkable changes in their children.

Caroline, from Failsworth, got involved in the club when she was looking for a hobby for her five-year-old son Zach.

Now, in less than 18 months, the pair have gone through more belts than Paris Hilton and are well on the way towards achieving their first black belts.

"I took Zach along for a few weeks and saw some of the children had their mums, dads, aunties and uncles with them, so Ithought, ‘I’ll give it a go’," she said. "Now Zach and I can practice our forms and technique at home together. In an age when parents spend less time with their kids, this has been a great solution for me and other parents."

As well as practicing katas and learning to count in Korean, children and parents are expected to fill in a form detailing what they have accomplished outside of class – for instance, the young students are rewarded if they have kept their rooms tidy, helped mum and dad around the house and been doing their homework on time. Each achievement is given recognition with a new badge on their outfits.

It’s an approach that has proved successful for 20 years, with the club running similar schemes around Greater Manchester. The whole experience is more than just punching and kicking," said Caroline. "It’s about teaching the children how to behave properly in the outside world. I have seen a massive improvement in Zach’s behaviour and focus at school and other parents have said the same. I’d done some karate when I was younger so I picked it up straight away, but most of the parents and children are total beginners."

Nick James, chief instructor, said: "Whether parents are looking for fitness, confidence, self-defence or a hobby for all the family, we can help them achieve their goals in a safe, friendly and fun environment.

"Students learn confidence, self-discipline and control. Our young students are treated with the same respect as adults and are taught to return that respect to others. We believe in praise, encouragement and positive reinforcement," he added.

Classes run at Failsworth Sports Centre on Sundays from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

For more information contact Nick on 0161 728 4449 or visit www.familymartialartscentres.com