Gemini Tae Kwon Do

GEMINI Tae Kwon Do club is more than just a hobby for its members, it is an extended family.

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The group is a member of the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain, which is one of the largest single martial arts organisations in Europe.

Oldest member, Colin Wilde, from Wedmore still manages to do his high-kicks at the age of 68.

Senior instructor Jane Lambert said: Colin joined because his son wanted to learn tae kwon do but didnt want to do it on his own. Obviously he is a bit more limited physically but he works hard and is an amazing student.

Some people stay at home and think they cannot give this sort of sport a try but Colin really is a model for what can be achieved.

The group not only trains twice a week in Cheddar, they also go away on training camp trips. Every summer the adults and juniors have separate excursions out. The youngsters usually only go for a weekend, while the adults enjoy a full week of camping, training and socialising.

On Friday the juniors set off for a camping trip and enjoyed swimming and training outdoors.

If members want to get involved in competitions they can, but there is no pressure to sign up to them.
Youngsters Billy Standen and Ryan Bugler, who are both aged 10 and attend Fairlands Middle School in Cheddar, recently took part in the world championships held in Birmingham. In June the duo fought their way to the finals and went on to beat the Irish team to win.

Jane said: The boys headmaster, Peter Elmy, rang me to say how wonderful the boys were doing at school and that they had done a tae kwon do demonstration for the other pupils.

Cheddar Local Action Team chairman Jill Male also attends training with her two sons.

Jane added: Jill really shows what the group is about because not only does she regularly attend, she also helps out with the Christmas parties and is very supportive of the whole club.

Anyone is welcome to come along and have a go and we are all really friendly. We are just a big extended family really.

THE FACTS:
Name of club: Gemini Tae Kwon Do.
Founded: 1994.
Membership: 200.
Who the club caters for: Anyone interested in the sport. The minimum age is five, but younger members have joined in the past with support during the training sessions from parents.
Meeting place and time: Wednesday and Friday nights at Kings of Wessex Leisure Centre in Cheddar. Juniors start at 5pm and adults start at 7pm.
Leader: Jane Lambert is the senior instructor.
Who to contact for more details: Jane on 01278 793422, 07767 668303 or email
jslambert@tkd-selfdefence.co.uk