Fortitude Taekwondo opens new Oldham training studio

Fortitude Taekwondo has opened its new fully-equipped training studio and now provides an extended range of classes for all ages and abilities.

The training hall has been set out to be Covid safe and help students to get back to face to face training.

In addition, following the success of Zoom classes which were introduced at the start of the Covid pandemic, instructors can continue to welcome students into a combined Zoom/face to face class so they can continue to make progress.

Fortitude wanted to create a training space which keeps students safe.

This starts before arrival at the Taekwondo studio, during which time all matting and equipment is sanitised.

Upon arrival, attendance is registered for track and trace, a quick temperature check with a temperature gun, and hands are sanitised.

To ensure that training is safe in the hall, instructors are limiting numbers to up to 10 students and they have provided colour-coded matting which clearly marks out your own personal training space, allowing three square metres per person, so you are properly socially distanced.

All of the other Covid measures you’d expect are fully catered for.

Chris Moat, IV Degree Black Belt, said: “In the past we’ve hired halls from third parties to provide our training, but we wanted to ensure that we had full control over the provision of a Covid safe environment.

"So we decided to lease and kit out the hall with dedicated free standing punch bags for each student and plenty of space to train.

"We’re delighted to say that all of our students who continued to train through the lockdown period via Zoom have made great progress and progressed at least one belt rank.

"However, we recognise that Zoom lessons are not for everyone and we wanted to ensure that the well known mental health benefits of martial arts training reach as many people as possible.

"We’ve been delighted to welcome back virtually all of the students who were training with us prior to the Covid lockdown in March.

"We hope our new facility will inspire others to take up a new skill.

"As Taekwondo is an individual art, rather than a team sport, students can operate in a safe and no contact space and still benefit from the development of new skills and improve their fitness, flexibility and self discipline."

For the whole family, Fortitude offers a wide range of classes initially from Monday to Wednesday and for beginners there’s a free trial period available.

Classes start at 4.30pm for little Ninjas (3-5 years); and 5.30pm Dragons (6-8 years).

At 6.45pm there is the option of training as a family, which is good for adults and kids from six years when accompanied.

At 8pm there are adults and seniors classes, with the Tuesday evening class reserved for ladies only.

Of course for those who’d prefer to use Zoom, you can join 74-year-old Pauline and train from your home.

This is a great option if, for example, you’re in a high risk category with regards to Covid, or need to self isolate.

Oldham Fortitude Taekwondo has been operating in the local area for a number of years.

Classes are located at the first floor, Groundworks Building, Shaw Road, Oldham, OL1 4AW.

For Information contact Chris Moat on 07795 265000 or via: www.canda-taekwondo.co.uk, email: chrismtkd@gmail.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/TKDOldham

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