New Taekwondo centre can help boost sport

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training, did the honours when he visited well established club Raw Taekwondo’s new centre at Westfield Industrial Estate.

The centre boasts the same latest automated scoring technology currently being used in the Rio 2016 Olympics where the sport is being showcased beginning today (Wednesday), with four GB athletes vying for medals.

It also has two fully matted octagon rings as well as additional matted stretching and cool-down space. In addition a well-equipped Olympic Weightlifting Club at the centre will help to deliver a well-rounded experience to members with the opportunity to take part in strength and conditioning to complement their Taekwondo training or to train and compete as a weightlifter.

Club coach Master Robert Robertson, a Commonwealth Championship silver medalist, believes the timing of the new facility’s opening is ideal given the higher profile which will hopefully result from its Olympic exposure.

He said: “We want the sport of Taekwondo to be accessible and we have worked hard to get the best available equipment for our members to enjoy and improve their training experience.

“With the Olympics taking place we hope to excite and inspire a new generation of young people and encourage them to take up the sport of Taekwondo and gain focus, discipline and confidence through the martial art.

“We have made sure the parents have a comfortable stay with a good sized lounge area to relax where you can catch up on e-mails or watch a bit of taekwondo while you wait.

“This is all about the students, and equality, too many sports/activities aren’t easily accessible. Here we have all the latest equipment and hard working experienced instructors that deliver expert Taekwondo tuition which is both true to the traditional origins and up-to-date with latest progression.”

During his visit Mr Hepburn took time to speak to the instructors as well as some of the young members at the club.

He said: “It was a pleasure to visit Raw Taekwondo at their new facility in Westfield and it is clear that the club is going from strength to strength.

“It was great to see so many young people enjoying their new facility and keeping active.

“I would like to wish all at Raw Taekwondo all the very best for the future and I’m sure the club will continue its success in their new venue.”

For further information and class timetables visit www.rawtaekwondo.co.uk, email [email protected] or phone 07563 463336.