Starting Tang Soo Do at 40

Hi, I'm Gareth and I'm a member of Denby Dale Tang Soo Do. I started the class because my little boy wanted to do it as his friend was there. After about a month he decided he did not want to do it any longer, however this left me with a slight problem as I enjoyed doing it but I needed my little boy to be there because of my mental health issues (which means I am very uncomfortable around strangers) and because he is my best friend. Instead of just quitting like my head was telling me to do over and over and over, I decided to give it a go because I'm 40 with no friends and no social circle. (sad i know but thats mental health for you), so for the first few weeks I forced myself to go and at least give it a try and what do you know i actually liked it. The training pushed me to a level I felt comfortable and I was starting to make friends which was and is a massive thing for me as I find it hard to communicate with people I don't know.

It helps massively that my instructor is a really cool guy and is there to help everyone, which can be hard when we have lots of students. He genuinely cares for all the students and wants us all to be the best version of ourselves (and win plenty of gold medals).

This isn't just a martial arts class, we are like a family and I really mean that. Being a rather unfit 40 year old with mental health issues doing anything is a big deal and I would rather stay in the house forever but going to Tang Soo Doo has not only helped my fitness, it has helped my mental heath which is fantastic. I have also gained some good friends who come together to support the local community.

Earlier this year Liam told me that I will be grading for my yellow belt which is exciting. I couldn't have done any of it without two times World Champion and my instructor Liam Daly, the senior black belts ( Cliff, Steve H and Steve W) and the Masters (Master J Tang, Master M. Grossett and Master P Goldsworthy) that help us all.

No matter who you are you can do anything if you put the effort in and dont be scared to try new things.

Tang Soo!!!

Gareth

Tang Soo Do Denby Dale.