The club started raising funds for electronic sparring gear in April.
Marlene Myles, Tidal Spirit’s lead instructor, said they were about $1,700 shy of their $10,000 goal in mid-September. The equipment, consisting of sensors, a chest protector, foot guards and a computer unit, will be particularly beneficial to tournament competitors tracking points and working on improving their techniques.
“It actually enables them to be able to make sure their feet are positioned properly to score a point,” she said.
“It enables us to be able to correct their foot positioning and poor technique, that kind of thing.”
Club members have been working hard to raise money to help pay for the equipment, and Myles is thrilled to report that several local businesses have offered support along the way.
“We’ve had huge support from the Avonport General Store. They’ve carried items down there we’ve sold tickets on [and] one lady who works there made us a blanket to sell tickets on.”
The club has roughly 30 members, with the youngest participant taking part in classes at just three years old. Myles firmly believes the athletes gain from being immersed in the fundraising experience.
“It actually teaches them that stuff doesn’t come free and you have to work for what you want,” she said.
“They work for it and… they appreciate it more by doing that.”
The same rule applies for those members looking to win medals competitions, she adds.
“The harder you work at it, the better you’re going to place.”
The club offers both competitive and recreational options for children and adults. Some members test for belt levels, some compete at tournaments and some just participate in classes at their own pace for the sake of enjoying the camaraderie.
“I have a great bunch of students. They’re very, very talented and they’re very well rounded. You couldn’t ask for better competitors. They’re very courteous,” she said, noting that taekwondo classes are great for those looking to work on agility, flexibility, focus and stress relief.
“You take from it what you want to take from it.”
Myles is looking forward to watching the competitive students hone their skills – and see results – with the help of the electronic sparring gear. She’s always careful to celebrate all achievements, big and small, so the students know how proud their teacher is when a competition concludes.
“It takes as much courage to go and compete and lose as it does to compete and win, and you actually learn more from the loss than you ever do from the win.”
