Parents/Guardians

We enrolled Sam into TKD following his experience of doing it one lunch time at his school. We felt that it would improve his confidence and would be a fun and supportive environment. Sam has come on loads, overcoming nerves to take gradings and has lots of fun under Mr Shillabeer’s instruction.

Andy Barratt, Father of Sam (7)

Dan has settled into his new class really well. He loves to attend Mr Shillabeer’s classes and often show us what he has learnt at home! Mr Shillabeer has made us feel very welcome and has a perfect balance of being a teacher and understanding young children’s needs. Thank you!

Mrs Tingle, Mother of Daniel (age 5)

We enrolled our son after a recommendation from another student already at the club. We are very happy so far and so is our son. I  have found that my son has become more confident. He admires Mr Shillabeer and always says he is encouraged by him to be active, energetic and optimistic. Bill has been training for 6months and is now a yellow belt. thank you Mr Shillabeer!

Mother of Bill (age 10)

When looking for a club I liked the openness and friendly atmosphere at DS Taekwondo. When I brought my son along, he was nervous but Mr Shillabeer has brought up his confidence carefully and allowed him the space to develop. Taekwondo has made Rowan more keen to persevere with all activities and he really likes both the discipline/ structure side but also the fun and enjoyment at the club. I’d recommend DS Taekwondo to all families; I have taken up the sport too and it’s lovely to enjoy practicing together at home and sharing our stories.

Will Henwood (student himself and father of Rowan, age 6 also)

Matthew initially wanted to start because of all the martial art cartoons and programmes on TV! And when I brought both sons along to give it a go they both ended up joining. Matthew was only 5 when he started and the main reason for me was due to the clear structure and aims that he could see within reach at Taekwondo. My eldest has never had problem with concentration but my youngest has forever got ‘ants in his pants’! Taekwondo is great for channelling this energy. It’s really positive that the kids are always encouraged to get find strength and feelings for themselves, but also motivated to be respectful towards each other. I like that Taekwondo builds self confidence through the grading system and motivates them to persevere when things may be difficult.

Karen Bergmann - Matthew and Thomas Bergmann, ages 6 and 9

Taekwondo was something Jacob wanted to do – he enjoys the challenge, has made new friends and enjoys the lessons- they are well structured with a balance of fun and disciplined training.

Dad - Jacob Firth, age 8March 2018

As the granny who takes the boys to Taekwondo I’ve had many experiences that’ve shown me how beneficial Taekwondo is for children. It is great to see them be helpful and supportive to each other as a team at competitions, which is a great day out too. Also I get to see how excited they are when they get their next belt after a successful grading. It makes me proud to see a group of girls and boys who come from all different walks of life cheer as a fellow student gets their new belt.

Mrs Armitage - Jake and Ben, ages 13 & 10

I brought Anna to TKD to help her develop strength. The final aim is that she can defend herself when I am not there for her. Anna now has a better appetite after training. I would definitely recommend DS Taekwondo to other parents, and have already introduced a few friends.

Mum - Anna Zhou, age 6March 2018

Our son has been training since April 2016. When he started he had low self esteem and struggled with attention and focus. The discipline and learning of Taekwondo has had a hugely positive impact on his well being and schoolwork too. Our son is so passionate about TKD it is an important part of his life. Mr Shillabeer is an excellent Instructor, not just of Taekwondo, but also of respect, manners and discipline. Lewis struggled with sports at school but he is now a proud green belt and has gained confidence to succeed in other sports.

Mum - Lewis Barrs, age 9March 2018

Stratos enjoys TKD because he likes kicking and punching, the games they play, learning new moves and meeting his friends. He wants to get brave, strong and be able to defend himself. Mr Shillabeer’s Moves amaze him and he wants to become like him and have a black belt. He wouldn’t like to have another instructor, ever. Stratos has become more disciplined, coordinated and self confident. Mr Shillabeer is patient with the young ones and through games and interesting activities he manages to teach them and hold their attention throughout the lesson.

Dad - Stratos Papagyriou, age 6March 2018

George likes TKD because he learns new skills and made many good friends. He started because he wants to get a black belt and he really enjoys it. UP to now he has improved balance, self confidence and got stronger. He thinks that Mr Shillabeer is a very good instructor because he loves what he does and keeps the children motivated. I think that George has benefited a lot from the club – more disciplined, fit and confident. What I like most about the club is that Mr Shillabeer is passionate with TKD and conveys this enthusiasm to the children. He is friendly with them and at the same time manages to earn their respect. He is a really active person and interested in his student’s learning. I highly recommend the club.

Dad - George Papagyriou, age 9March 2018

DS Taekwondo is a well organised and structured club which provides excellent tuition to all its students. It teaches core skills to children including self- control, discipline and courtesy which are important in all aspects of life. It also promotes healthy living and fitness for children. All of the above is done in a fun and imaginative way which keeps the children engaged.

Dad - 9 year olf boyMarch 2018

I found out about the club from the banner outside the hall, and then looking at the website. Zane was at a different club before this one, but I didn’t feel that he was progressing, hence the reason for swapping to DS Taekwondo, where it’s 100% better. I wanted Zane to do Taekwondo to gain confidence in himself, improve his fitness and be part of a group outside of school. The club is welcoming and friendly, I like the fact that classes are taught in age groups and grades. I think that the teaching of the classes are well structured and disciplined, and feel that Dave communicates well with the kids and keeps their interest and attention well. I have noticed a positive change in Zane’s strength and fitness, and hope that he continues to progress well and gains higher belts. I know that Zane really enjoys coming to the DS Taekwondo so would recommend it to anybody wishing to give it a go.

Mum - Zane Polin, age 7

We found about DS Taekwondo through friends whose daughter was already a member. Mr Shillabeer’s enthusiasm and reassurance when speaking to him on the phone when finding out more and the offer of a free trial lesson made the decision easy to bring our son along. The possibility to pay monthly is also good as it gives good flexibility. Our aim for our son was to enjoy a sport where he can build his confidence with clear rules (and to burn off energy!) and in a safe environment. Mr Shillabeer and all the children and parents were very welcoming and there is a lovely atmosphere about on training days. It is great to see the children develop and to celebrate their TKD successes with them, not just in TKD but also as a person.

Mum & Dad - Joshua Sprenz,, age 6

As a parent of a lively 10 year old boy, I feel DS Taekwondo is the perfect activity for my son. Twice a week he enjoys channelling his energy into learning new skills in a safe and friendly environment. Dave is an excellent instructor, keeping the kids attention and making each lesson fun.

Mum - Archie Twigg, age 10

My two daughters have a great time at DS Taekwondo. The eldest started 18 months ago and is half way to being a black belt. They both really enjoy it and besides the obvious benefits such as fitness and self defence we have also noticed that they have made lots of new friends and are also able to focus more in other areas, for example with school work. After taking them to classes for a year it dawned on me that I could be learning TKD as well and then we’d have an activity that we all shared. Now we can practice TKD together at home and have taken part in competitions which make a great family day out and is great for building self confidence. I’d say to other parents …bring your kids along so they can try it, the first few lessons are free, and when you do- why not have a go yourself!

Ged Morris - Daisy and Connie Morris, ages 7 and 5

Paul joined DS TKD in Oct 2013. He was experiencing difficulties at school with his fine motor skills and self control. He was shy when asked to join in with sports and because of this he was not confident and his self esteem was lowered. Since joining Mr Shillabeer’s class he has not only developed great motor skills, balance, confidence and crucial life skills such as team work, perseverance etc. and has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication at each grading. He LOVES it!

Dad - Paul Greasley, age 8March 2018

 

 

Kerry Polin, Mother of Zane, 7

I found out about the club from the banner outside the hall, and then looking at the website. Zane was at a different club before this one, but I didn’t feel that he was progressing, hence the reason for swapping to DS Taekwondo, where it’s 100% better. I wanted Zane to do Taekwondo to gain confidence in himself, improve his fitness and be part of a group outside of school. The club is welcoming and friendly, I like the fact that classes are taught in age groups and grades. I think that the teaching of the classes are well structured and disciplined, and feel that Dave communicates well with the kids and keeps their interest and attention well. I have noticed a positive change in Zane’s strength and fitness, and hope that he continues to progress well and gains higher belts. I know that Zane really enjoys coming to the DS Taekwondo so would recommend it to anybody wishing to give it a go.

Mr and Mrs Sutton Sprenz, Parents of Joshua, 6

We found about DS Taekwondo through friends whose daughter was already a member. Mr Shillabeer’s enthusiasm and reassurance when speaking to him on the phone when finding out more and the offer of a free trial lesson made the decision easy to bring our son along. The possibility to pay monthly is also good as it gives good flexibility. Our aim for our son was to enjoy a sport where he can build his confidence with clear rules (and to burn off energy!) and in a safe environment. Mr Shillabeer and all the children and parents were very welcoming and there is a lovely atmosphere about on training days. It is great to see the children develop and to celebrate their TKD successes with them, not just in TKD but also as a person.

Alison Twigg, Mother of Archie, 10

As a parent of a lively 10 year old boy, I feel DS Taekwondo is the perfect activity for my son. Twice a week he enjoys channelling his energy into learning new skills in a safe and friendly environment. Dave is an excellent instructor, keeping the kids attention and making each lesson fun.

Ged Morris, 43, Father of Daisy and Connie (7, 5)

My two daughters have a great time at DS Taekwondo. The eldest started 18 months ago and is half way to being a black belt. They both really enjoy it and besides the obvious benefits such as fitness and self defence we have also noticed that they have made lots of new friends and are also able to focus more in other areas, for example with school work. After taking them to classes for a year it dawned on me that I could be learning TKD as well and then we’d have an activity that we all shared. Now we can practice TKD together at home and have taken part in competitions which make a great family day out and is great for building self confidence. I’d say to other parents …bring your kids along so they can try it, the first few lessons are free, and when you do- why not have a go yourself!

Karen Bergmann, Mother of Matthew and Thomas, (6, 9)

Matthew initially wanted to start because of all the martial art cartoons and programmes on TV! And when I brought both sons along to give it a go they both ended up joining. Matthew was only 5 when he started and the main reason for me was due to the clear structure and aims that he could see within reach at Taekwondo. My eldest has never had problem with concentration but my youngest has forever got ‘ants in his pants’! Taekwondo is great for channelling this energy. It’s really positive that the kids are always encouraged to get find strength and feelings for themselves, but also motivated to be respectful towards each other. I like that Taekwondo builds self confidence through the grading system and motivates them to persevere when things may be difficult.

Mrs Armitage, Grandmother of Jake and Ben (13, 10)

As the granny who takes the boys to Taekwondo I’ve had many experiences that’ve shown me how beneficial Taekwondo is for children. It is great to see them be helpful and supportive to each other as a team at competitions, which is a great day out too. Also I get to see how excited they are when they get their next belt after a successful grading. It makes me proud to see a group of girls and boys who come from all different walks of life cheer as a fellow student gets their new belt.