Taekwondo
Saturday - Jennie - 10.30am - 11.30am
Thursday - Sean - 7pm - 8pm
Based in the heart of Teesdale, in the north east of England, Baek Ho Taekwondo was founded in 1998 by Grand Master Bryan Whiley following a second trip to Korea which immersed Grand Master Bryan into the Korean culture as well as more intense Taekwondo training.
We offer 3 class times which cater for any age and ability, from starter to Dan Black Belt ( Mickleton Village Hall ) and 1 for students aged 50 years and above (Butterknowle Village Hall).
Master Jennie Lee – 6th Dan Instructor
I first started training in the martial art when I was just 18 years old. I had just finished college and wanted to start something new. I saw the advert for taekwondo to learn this new ‘explosive’ martial art so I went along to Middleton school to try it. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and trained 4 times a week for many years with Grand Master Bryan. I was lucky enough to visit South Korea twice, with some fellow students organised by Grand Master Bryan and his wife. I then went on to visit South Korea for a third time on my own one summer and stayed with a Korean family. I helped teach English in the kindergartens and in return they taught me more Taekwondo.
Taekwondo has helped me so much in life what with self discipline, balance, coordination, evolving and learning from all of the 5 tenants. My favourite parts of /taekwondo are the Poomsae and practising the kicks. I am now lucky enough to be able to teach this fantastic and rewarding martial art each week and also to my son and daughter, who attend my classes.
Whilst I am not teaching Taekwondo, I am a full time primary school teacher, another job that I absolutely love!
Master Sean Hayes – 4th Dan Instructor
Master Sean started Taekwondo training in the north-east of England in 1984 as it had always been a passion and dream to train in martial arts. He hoped it would improve his abilities in self defence and develop self confidence. Taekwando offered Master Sean a route to develop himself in terms of confidence and self-control, and to be able to manage many life challenges.
Master Sean has focused his journey on learning the disciplines of a variety of martial arts, as well as taking part in Taekwando fighting competitions, gaining his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1991, and continuing with Taekwondo and other martial arts through his education years and career in the navy. He made a personal challenge to seek out and try different martial arts in every country he visited, particularly in his time in the Navy.
Master Sean joined Baek Ho Taekwondo around 12 years ago alongside his daughter, who achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt and still trains in Taekwando in a club in London. He began formally instructing 2 years later.
He has recently been successful in becoming a Special Constable with Durham Constabulary.
Why Train In Taekwondo?
“A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step” – Lao Tzu
The benefits of training in Taekwondo, or any other martial art, brings with it improved physical strength, improved mobility increased confidence and improved fitness, as well as mental and physical stamina and flexibility.
Taekwondo is also a way of life, training both the body and mind, helping to develop moral character, self discipline, respect, gain confidence and is a great stress buster!
With the modern world’s day-to-day stresses and anxieties, martial arts can be an important factor in physical and mental well-being, as well as developing a sense of family and community.
At Baek Ho Taekwondo, ours is a holistic approach based on hard work, respect and helping each other as a family.
We offer 3 free sessions for you, at Mickleton Village Hall, to try out our classes, so you can get a feel for what’s involved and what learning Taekwondo could bring to you.