How to.. Each week, ET entertainments reporter Duncan Hall tries out a new activity. This week, Duncan tries out:
How to.. Tang Soo Do
LAST
week I knocked the British Champion in Korean martial art Tang Soo Do
to the floor.
I hardly need to say he let me do it - but still there was a certain sense of satisfaction about it, and a feeling I should probably include it in my CV.
Peterborough Grand Champion and British Champion Chris Clarke is one of seven students of Ian Parker's 20-strong Tang Soo Do class who will be travelling to the World Championships in Mexico in January.
Ian and his daughter Shannon (9) are also set to go, thanks to sponsorship by Dorothy Clarke of Clarke's Drain in Yaxley, as are students Sam Bowles and Mark, Samantha and Amy Stockwell.
And all of these world title hopefuls are meeting up every week in a small scout hut, off Mountsteven Avenue in Walton, Peterborough.
It was with some trepidation that I came down for my trial session. Seeing loads of tough-looking blokes in the traditional white martial arts uniforms looking harder than I could ever hope to be didn't help as I walked through the door.
But they were all obviously family men because their kids appeared to have just finished their session at the club. Or so I thought. In fact, the way Ian's class works is by everyone, of any age or ability, working together to help each other improve, from the 10-year-old beginner to the 27-year-old British champion.
And Ian has complete control.
At his one word, the room was silent. But not from fear. From respect. This was obvious by the way everyone treated him - enjoying a laugh with him but also listening to what he had to say and the advice he gave as he walked around the room.
Following a group warm-up which everyone took part in to stretch their muscles, I was paired off with Chris to learn some basics while all around me students of all ages practiced their moves and forms.
The
principles of the martial art are based around simple physics and anatomy.
The blocks and moves used are designed to put your opponent off their
guard and cause you as little exertion as possible.
For this reason, learning the art is also a very good way of learning how to defend yourself. In the set up situations I learned I can now stop somebody trying to strangle me, avoid and block a punch and make things very uncomfortable for anyone who grabs me by the shirt front - which was how Chris ended up on the floor.
And the fact it is all about physics and anatomy means that even a 5ft 6ins tall advertisement for slimming pills like me can take on a huge 6ft something champion like Chris. So long as he didn't fight back. And told me what to do each time.
The session ended with a chance to try out some kicks on a hand-held punchbag. In front of the whole class. My heart sank - the thought of everyone seeing me make a complete prat of myself instantly loomed into my mind. But the whole group was behind me, and all the other beginners were having a go. There was even some spontaneous and encouraging applause when I got a move right first time. It buoyed me up as I left the mat, and I could see it helped the other beginners when they received the same treatment.
After the meeting, Ian explained a big part of his approach at the club, which he runs with senior instructor Shaun Lake, was to encourage new students, not terrify them.
He said: "It is about teaching confidence as well as keeping you fit and learning self defence, which is important for men, women and children.
"My goal is to make everyone who comes through my doors a black belt. The biggest step is coming through the doors."
The club has close links with other martial arts and boxing clubs in the city, and often pays visits to other groups as well as inviting instructors down. It also holds a social evening every three months to allow students to talk about the classes and enjoy themselves outside of the teaching arena. "