When choosing a martial arts club, it’s important to know you’re training with a reputable and well-structured organisation.
That’s why many students across the UK choose clubs affiliated with the TAGB.
If you're considering Tae Kwon-Do in Whitchurch (Shropshire), Oswestry, Market Drayton or Malpas, here are five key benefits of training with a TAGB club.

A Trusted and Established Organisation
The TAGB is one of the largest Tae Kwon-Do organisations in the UK, with thousands of members nationwide.
This means:

• A proven training system
• Consistent standards across clubs
• A recognised grading structure

You can train with confidence knowing you're part of a respected organisation.

Qualified and Experienced Instructors
TAGB instructors go through structured training and certification to ensure high teaching standards.
In every class, you can expect:

• Clear instruction
• Safe training methods
• Support for all ability levels

Whether you're a complete beginner or returning after a break, you’ll be guided every step of the way.

Safe and Structured Training
Safety is a top priority in all TAGB clubs.
Classes are carefully structured to include:

• Warm-ups and stretching
• Step-by-step learning of techniques
• Controlled sparring (when appropriate)

This makes Tae Kwon-Do suitable for both children and adults.

More Than Just Physical Training
Training with a TAGB club isn’t just about fitness—it’s about personal development.
Students learn:

• Discipline
• Respect
• Confidence
• Focus

These life skills are especially valuable for children, but equally beneficial for adults.

Opportunities to Progress and Achieve
TAGB offers a clear progression pathway through its belt grading system.
Students have the opportunity to:

• Work towards new belts
• Set and achieve goals
• Take part in competitions (optional)
• Train at seminars and national events

This keeps training motivating and rewarding long-term.

Train Locally with a TAGB Club
If you're looking for Tae Kwon-Do classes in Whitchurch, Oswestry, Market Drayton or Malpas, training with a TAGB club gives you the best of both worlds:

• A local, friendly class environment
• Backed by a nationally recognised organisation

Find a Class Near You in Whitchurch, Oswestry, Malpas or Market Drayton

Start Your Tae Kwon-Do Journey Today
Choosing the right club makes all the difference—and with a TAGB club, you know you're getting quality instruction, a supportive environment, and a proven path for progression.

Start Tae Kwon-Do Today – Contact Us

Book Your First Class.
​✔ Beginners welcome
✔ Family-friendly classes
✔ No experience needed

Choosing the right activity for your child can be challenging. You want something that keeps them active, builds confidence, and teaches valuable life skills.
If you're based in Whitchurch (Shropshire), Oswestry, Market Drayton or Malpas, Tae Kwon-Do could be one of the best decisions you make for your child.

What is Tae Kwon-Do?
Tae Kwon-Do is a Korean martial art that focuses on:

• Kicking techniques
• Coordination and balance
• Discipline and respect

Many schools in the UK are part of organisations like the TAGB, which ensures high standards of teaching and a structured syllabus.

Builds Confidence
One of the biggest benefits of Tae Kwon-Do is the boost in confidence it gives children.
As they learn new techniques and progress through belt grades, they:

• Set goals
• Achieve milestones
• Gain a sense of accomplishment

This confidence often carries over into school and everyday life.

Improves Focus and Discipline
Tae Kwon-Do classes teach children how to:

• Listen carefully
• Follow instructions
• stay focused

These skills are especially helpful for improving concentration in school.

Teaches Respect and Self-Control
Respect is a core part of martial arts training. Children learn to:

• Respect instructors
• Support fellow students
• Control their behaviour

This creates a positive and structured environment where they can thrive.

Keeps Kids Active and Healthy
With so much screen time today, it’s more important than ever to keep children moving.
Tae Kwon-Do helps:

• Improve fitness
• Develop flexibility
• Build strength
• Burn energy in a positive way

Encourages Social Skills and Friendships
Classes are friendly and supportive, helping children:

• Make new friends
• Work as part of a group
• Build social confidence

Many students quickly feel part of a team.

Tae Kwon-Do Classes Near You
We offer classes for children in:

• Whitchurch (Shropshire)
• Oswestry
• Market Drayton
• Malpas

Find a Class Near You in Whitchurch, Oswestry, Malpas or Market Drayton

What Age Can Children Start?
Children can start Tae Kwon-Do at different ages depending on the location:

• In Whitchurch (Shropshire) and Market Drayton, children can begin from 4 years old in our Tigers classes, designed especially for younger students.
• In Malpas and Oswestry, classes are available for children aged 6 and above.

All classes are structured to be:

• Fun
• Engaging
• Age-appropriate

Is Tae Kwon-Do Safe for Children?
Yes—when taught correctly, Tae Kwon-Do is very safe.
Instructors focus on:

• Controlled techniques
• Proper warm-ups
• Safe training practices

The emphasis is always on development, not aggression.

Give Your Child a Strong Start
Tae Kwon-Do is more than just a sport—it helps children grow in confidence, discipline and respect.
If you're looking for children’s martial arts classes in Whitchurch, Oswestry, Market Drayton or Malpas, we’d love to welcome you.

Start Tae Kwon-Do Today – Contact Us

Starting something new can feel intimidating—but your first Tae Kwon-Do class might just be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Whether you're looking to improve fitness, build confidence, or try something completely different, here’s exactly what you can expect when you walk into your first class.
A Friendly Welcome.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how welcoming the environment is. Tae Kwon-Do schools, especially those affiliated with organisations like the TAGB, pride themselves on being inclusive and supportive.
You won’t be expected to know anything—beginners are always welcome.
​
No Experience or Equipment Needed.
For your first lesson, you don’t need a uniform. Just wear:

• A t-shirt
• Joggers or tracksuit bottoms
• Clean trainers (depending on venue)

As you progress, you’ll have the option to get a traditional Tae Kwon-Do uniform (Dobok).


Warm-Up and Stretching.
Classes usually begin with a warm-up to get your body moving. This might include:

• Light cardio (jogging, star jumps)
• Stretching exercises
• Mobility work

This helps prevent injury and improves flexibility over time.

Learning Basic Techniques.
You’ll start with simple movements such as:

• Basic punches
• Blocks
• Kicks

Don’t worry about getting everything perfect—everyone learns at their own pace.
​

Focus on Discipline and Respect.
Tae Kwon-Do isn’t just about physical techniques. You’ll also learn:

• Respect for instructors and fellow students
• Self-discipline
• Focus and perseverance

These are core values of martial arts training.

A Supportive Atmosphere.
You won’t be thrown in at the deep end. Instructors and senior students are there to help you every step of the way.
Everyone in the class was once a beginner too.

A Great Workout.
Expect to leave your first class feeling energised (and maybe a little tired!). Tae Kwon-Do is a fantastic way to:

• Improve fitness
• Build strength
• Boost flexibility

Taking the First Step.
The hardest part is simply showing up.
Once you do, you’ll quickly realise that Tae Kwon-Do is not just a martial art—it’s a journey of personal growth.

Ready to Get Started?
If you're thinking about trying Tae Kwon-Do, why not come along and see for yourself?
We welcome beginners of all ages and abilities.

Book a Tae Kwon Do Taster session here.

Local Tae Kwon-Do Classes Near You.
We run classes in:

• Whitchurch (Shropshire)
• Malpas
• Oswestry
• Market Drayton

So wherever you're based locally, there’s a class nearby.

Source: The Conversation website
Written by: Ashleigh Johnstone
 

• Ashleigh Johnstone is a researcher in neuroscience at Bangor University
• Previous studies have shown that jogging can increase your life expectancy
• Martial arts may have a greater impact on brain cognition than other activities

 
We are all aware that exercise generally has many benefits, such as improving physical fitness and strength. But what do we know about the effects of specific types of exercise? Researchers have already shown that jogging can increase life expectancy, for example, while yoga makes us happy. However, there is one activity that goes beyond enhancing physical and mental health – martial arts can boost your brain’s cognition too.

1. Improved attentionResearchers say that there are two ways to improve attention, through attention training (AT), and attention state training (AST). AT is based on practising a specific skill and getting better at that skill, but not others – using a brain training video game, for example. AST on the other hand is about getting into a specific state of mind that allows a stronger focus. This can be done by using exercise, meditation, or yoga, among other things.
It has been suggested that martial arts is a form of AST, and supporting this, recent research has shown a link between practice and improved alertness. Backing this idea up further, another study showed that martial arts practice – specifically karate – is linked with better performance on a divided attention task. This is an assignment in which the person has to keep two rules in mind and respond to signals based on whether they are auditory or visual.

2. Reduced aggressionIn a US study, children aged 8-11 were tasked with traditional martial arts training that focused on respecting other people and defending themselves as part of an anti-bullying programme. The children were also taught how to maintain a level of self-control in heated situations.
 
The researchers found that the martial arts training reduced the level of aggressive behaviour in boys, and found that they were more likely to step in and help someone who was being bullied than before they took part in the training. Significant changes were not found in the girls’ behaviour, potentially because they showed much lower levels of physical aggression before the training than the boys did.
Interestingly, this anti-agression effect is not limited to young children. A different piece of research found reduced physical and verbal aggression, as well as hostility, in adolescents who practised martial arts too.

3. Greater stress managementSome forms of martial arts, such as tai chi, place great emphasis on controlled breathing and meditation. These were strongly linked in one study with reduced feelings of stress, as well as being better able to manage stress when it is present in young to middle-aged adults.
This effect has also been found in older adults – the 330 participants in this research had a mean age of 73 – too. And the softer, flowing movements make it an ideal, low-impact exercise for older people.

4. Enhanced emotional well-beingAs several scientists are now looking into the links between emotional well-being and physical health, it’s vital to note that martial arts has been show to improve a person’s emotional well-being too.
In the study linked above, 45 older adults (aged 67-93) were asked to take part in karate training, cognitive training, or non-martial arts physical training for three to six months. The older adults in the karate training showed lower levels of depression after the training period than both other groups, perhaps due to its meditative aspect. It was also reported that these adults showed a greater level of self-esteem after the training too.
​
5. Improved memoryAfter comparing a sedentary control group to a group of people doing karate, Italian researchers found that taking part in karate can improve a person’s working memory. They used a test that involved recalling and repeating a series of numbers, both in the correct order and backwards, which increased in difficulty until the participant was unable to continue. The karate group were much better at this task than the control group, meaning they could recall longer series of numbers. Another project found similar results while comparing tai chi practice with “Western exercise” – strength, endurance, and resistance training.
Evidently, there is far more to martial arts than its traditional roles. Though they have been practised for self-defence and spiritual development for many hundreds of years, only relatively recently have researchers had the methods to assess the true extent of how this practice affects the brain.
There are a such a huge range of martial arts, some more gentle and meditative, others combative and physically intensive. But this only means that there is a type for everyone, so why not give it a go and see how you can boost your own brain using the ancient practices of martial arts.

On Saturday 30th October students from Whitchurch, Malpas and Oswestry Tae Kwon Do competed in the North Wales Inter Club Championships in Wrexham. For most of our students this was their very first competition or their first competition for a long time due to COVID.
I am very proud of all our students that entered the championships. Competing in competitions is not all about winning, it is invaluable in helping to improve your Tae Kwon Do, gain experience performing under pressure and learn new skills. 
Many Congratulations to our Medal Winners 
Saskia Lockley - Gold in Girls Yellow Belt Patterns.
Lily Ryder - Silver in Girls Red Belt Sparring and
​                   - Bronze in Girls Red Belt Patterns.
Rob Lloyd - Gold in Men's Green Belt Sparring.
Ryan Stonier - Gold in Men's Red Belt speed kicking and
                         - Bronze in Men's Red Belt Sparring.
Carys Williams - Bronze in Girls Green Belt Sparring.
Carl Willmott - Silver in Man's Black Belt Sparring and 
​                         - Bronze in Men's Black Belt Sparring.
Sam Fielding - Silver in Boys Black Belt Sparring.
Dexter McArdle - Bronze in Boys Black Belt Sparring.

Congratulations and Well done to all of you!!
 

​I’m very pleased to announce that we will have a new class at Whitchurch starting Thursday 27th August. This class will be 6.30 - 8.00pm in the sports hall at Whitchurch civic centre and is replacing the Malpas Thursday class.
This class is suitable juniors, adults and families. 

​We have had a very busy few weeks of Tae Kon Do with grading and competitions with lots of success.
On Saturday 21st September we had our colour belt grading in Newcastle with Grand Master Sergiew. There were 15 students grading and we achieved a 100% successful pass rate.

On Saturday 5th October was the North Midlands Area Championships in Nottingham. There was over 250 people participating at the competition and we had 7 students competing in a variety of events. For many of our members this was their first ever Tae Kwon Do competition. We were extremely successful and every one of our students came home with a medal and we had a total medal haul of 16. Gold x 8, Silver x 2, Bronze x 6.
Thomas -  2 Gold & 1 Bronze
Henry - Gold & Silver
Dexter – 3 Golds
Isobel – 2 Golds & 1 Bronze
Ryan – Bronze
Sam –  Bronze
Ashton – 1 Silver & 2 Bronze 

Congratulations to all of you that competed and for all the dedication, hard work and skill shown. 

Want to take your sparring to the net level?

What are the benefits?
The squad training sessions are supervised by national TAGB team coach Master Kenny Walton. They are however of benefit to all, at all levels. Your physical fitness will improve, your technical ability will get sharper, you will learn new things, you'll be given the opportunity to take your performance to a new level and you'll meet some great people on the day.
Who can attend?
Anyone who has a currently valid TAGB licence, make sure you have it with you so it can be shown if asked for. You must be training with your TAGB Instructor regularly and have their permission to attend.
What is the Cost?
The squad sessions costs £5  
What do I need?
Your valid TAGB licence, (please take it with you, we might need or ask to see it), loosely fitting clothes, trainers, full set of TAGB sparring equipment that is in good working order, A skipping rope and a tagb approved focus pads could also be useful if you have them, lots of water and the expectation to work hard.​

Due to the Bank Holiday and venues being closed there will be no training on Saturday 24th August or Monday 26th August, I hope you all enjoy your bank holiday weekend. 

The last two weeks in August the Marches School is closed and therefore we cannot use the hall so the classes will be held at The Venue Park Hall.
The Venue at park hall, Burma Rd, Whittington, Oswestry SY11 4AS
Tuesday 20th August – The Venue, Park Hall 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Friday 23rd August – The Venue, Park Hall 6.00 – 7.00 pm
Tuesday 27th August – The Venue, Park Hall 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Friday 30th August – No Training
Tuesday 3rd September – The Marches School 7.00 – 8.30pm, All classes back to normal.

​We are once again into the exam season and many children and parents will be doing everything they can to help with their exams so to achieve the best possible results.
Many children will stop participating in sport and exercise during their exams but a study by The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) has found that taking part in sports will have no effect on results.
The study analysed the GCSE results of 1,482 male and female students from 19 independent schools, and examined the effect that participation in sports had on their results.
In fact, taking part in sport appears to have a lot of positive impact. There is no evidence that people involved in sport get any worse GCSE results. They are however happier, mentally healthier, less anxious and more resilient and robust. Taking part in sport on a regular basis is not doing any harm and it is doing them good, there is an abundance of benefits to sport and wellbeing and it plays a vital role to a balanced and healthy lifestyle and the findings in this research strongly suggest that students revising for their GCSEs or A-levels should not abandon sport.
The profile of “super performers” was also examined in the research. Students, who were the very top academic performers, played a lot of sport as well as achieving the highest grades in their class.  
Aside from providing a well-needed break from the marathon revision, when our bodies engage in exercise, it triggers the release of various hormones and chemical compounds in the body. These hormones and chemical compounds all have very important effects on a variety brain functions.
What endorphins are released during exercise, and how they help
Serotonin – involved in regulating sleep patterns and improving mood.
Dopamine – positively influences learning and attention span.
Norepinephrine – affects motivation and mental stimulation.
Combined with an increased blood flow to the brain, this concoction of hormones and neurotransmitters improves cognitive function and the ability to focus for longer time periods. Which translates into higher quality revision sessions and a higher chance of achieving your target results.
Research also shows that exercise significantly reduces resting levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, allowing you to spend less time worrying and more time getting work done.
Not only that, regular exercise has also been shown to increase the size of the part of the brain involved with memory retention, the hippo-campus.
Taking all of this into account I strongly believe and encourage children to continue participating in sport during the run up to exams as it is good for them to have a balance of activities, also integrating exercise into a revision timetable promotes discipline with time management.

Sunday 5th May 2019
​
Schedule is as follows,
 
01.00pm - 02.30pm black belts 1st & 2nd Dans.
 
02.30pm - 04.00pm black belts 3rd Dans +
 
04.00pm - 05.00pm red belts (red belts only, no catch ups for black belts).
 
 
All of the above at Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby DE24 8JB.
 
Please remember students need to bring their licence with a current licence slip attached & £7.
 
I have been informed that there will be limited parking for the first session due to Derby playing that day so please get there early to make sure can park!

March was was a busy and very successful month for Whitchuch, Malpas and Oswestry Tae Kwon Do. We had our colour belt grading on Saturday 9th hosted by Newcastle-under-lyme and graded by Grand Master Sregiew 9th degree black belt instructor. 
There was a wide variety of experienced students grading from white belts through to red belts and once again we achieved a 100% pass rate.

There wasn't just success for the colour belts as Chris passed his Umpires course making him a fully qualified TAGB umpire. 

On Sunday 24th March Ryan and Rory  both competed in the English Championships in Worcester and both of them came 2nd place in their categories. 
With over 1200 competing at this national event they have both done very well. 
Ryan in his first ever competition was second in men’s yellow belt sparring.
Rory added a silver medal in the strike pad (power test) to his vast collection of trophies and medals .

Congratulations and well done to all of our students that have been working extremely hard to achieve their goals. 

Heels together, toes apart.
Weight distribution 50/50

One shoulder width wide measured from little toes.
Weight distribution 50/50 

One and a half shoulder widths wide between big toes.
Weight distribution 50/50
 

One and a half shoulder widths long between the rear foot sword and front toes.
Weight distribution 70/30 (Back leg/Front Leg)