Oliver Lees
If you were to visit Binap Primary School after school hours on any given Tuesday or Thursday, you might spy an eclectic classroom of students dressed in white robes.
But instead of studying books, these students between the ages of four and 55 are learning the art of taekwondo.
With four decades of experience under his black belt, Melton local Paul Bailey is the instructor of these Australian Independent Taekwondo Academy (AITA) classes.
At its core, taekwondo teaches techniques of self defence and counter attacking moves, but Mr Bailey said he believes the practice is so much more than punching and kicking.
“It installs respect, social interaction and it can help to get rid of tension and stress in your life,” he said.
“The number one lesson is that we never misuse taekwondo, my students take an oath every lesson.
“Other than that, it’s useful for everybody to understand how they can utilise their body.”
Mr Bailey said it’s a focus of his to create an inclusive environment.
“It’s not just something for able bodied people, it can be very helpful for people with limitations on their bodies,” he said,
“My thoughts are if the kids can do it, mum and dad can do it too.”
AITA Melton classes meet at Binap Primary school in Brookfield on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school hours.
