BLUE DRAGON TKD - A BRIEF HISTORY

In January 2005 a new Martial Arts equipment retailer opened its' doors in Northwich, Cheshire. Named Blue Dragon Martial Arts, and operated by then TKD student and assistant instructor Al Walkinshaw the new shop quickly attracted lots of interest.

  During the run up to the shop opening, various factors lead to the conclusion that a new type of Taekwon-do school was needed. It had to be modern and forward thinking, offer students an open and fair training facility, with friendly, aproachable instructors, but most importantly it had to be fun and enjoyable for everyone, whilst still maintaining the teachings of the founder of TaeKwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi.

  So on 12th April 2005, 50 years and 1 day after TaeKwon-Do's creation, a new club started up, originally using the name of ITS Cheshire Taekwondo, at The County High School Leftwich. On the first night it saw 18 students sign up aged from 5 - 67 years old. The new club went from strength to strength and held its first colour belt grading in June 2005, which saw the Vale Royal Borough Mayor present the new belts to the successful students.

  Early in 2006 saw the club move from Leftwich to Wincham Community Centre, but student numbers fell dramatically, and new facilities were sourced at Rudheath Leisure Centre. Over the next 9 months numbers steadilly increased again, with lots of new students signing up. Requests kept coming for an extra training night, and luckily a venue in Northwich was found at Sir John Deane's College. Again numbers continued to increase to the point where it was impossible to fit any more people in, and in May 2008 the decision was taken to expand into neighbouring Winsford, with 2 new training nights at Woodford Lodge Sports Centre. Following the launch of a new club website at the start of 2008 the club name was changed to Blue Dragon TaeKwon-Do.

  Then in July 2008 the decision was taken that due to the reconstruction, price increases, and lack of welfare facilities, at Sir John Deane's, that it was now unsuitable for the purpose and classes would no longer be offered there.
  In December 2008 we affiliated to the Imperial Taekwon-Do Association (ITA) and thus to the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) under the presidency of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa. As full members of the British Taekwon-Do Council (BTC), you can rest assured that our practices within Taekwon-Do meet the strictest standards. The BTC is recognised by the Sports Council as the only governing body for TaeKwon-Do in the UK. The BTC was established in conjunction with the Sports Council to unify and oversee the development of TaeKwon-Do in the UK. Only organisations with membership of the British TaeKwon-Do Council can offer its' specific insurance schemes. It caters for all styles of TaeKwon-Do, ITF, WTF as well as independents. We are constantly working to ensure our receiving the best possible tuition from our instructors. The ITA are considered one of the most successful TaeKwon-Do groups within the UK. Our high standards and quality of students have always been among the best worldwide. Under the guidance of Master Nicholls 8th Dan ITF we can offer more than any other group within the UK. From internationally recognised degree instructor and examiner qualifications, to access to local, national, & international competitions and seminars. Master Nicholls, with over 35 years experience in TaeKwon-Do, is still actively teaching within the class structure. Masters, Senior, and Black Belts travel from all over the country to learn from one of the most senior and knowledgeable genuine ITF masters around.
  There are currently approx. 80 students between the Northwich and Winsford schools, roughly 60% of which are in the junior section. All classes are mixed ability from new beginners to black belts, and have both male and female students. Our classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, thus ensuring TaeKwon-Do remains accessible to as many members of the local community as possible. If you would like any further information or are interested in joining us and becomming part of the Blue Dragon family, please click here.

Be a part of the magic with Blue Dragon Taekwon-do.