FOR just $10 a session, people of all ages can learn martial arts, build confidence and develop skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Molong Taekwondo instructor Mark Connell has been practising martial arts for more than 20 years, beginning his journey in Orange under instructor Rolly Tandang, before eventually taking on the role of teaching others.
Now a second-dan black belt, he runs Monday evening classes at the Molong RSL Club from 5.30pm, welcoming students of all ages.
His approach to martial arts is less about learning how to fight and more about building confidence, discipline and self-belief.
“It’s about your own abilities and being confident to do stuff,” he said.
Mr Connell said martial arts could be particularly valuable for children, helping them overcome shyness and build confidence in a safe environment.
“We just encourage them to be themselves, get their confidence up, and give them some skills,” he said.
While students are taught practical martial arts skills, including sparring, there is no pressure to compete.
For those who are interested, competition provides an opportunity to travel and test their skills, with students able to compete at events across New South Wales and interstate.
However, competition is entirely optional, with students encouraged to participate at whatever level suits them.
“We have people who have never competed and it’s not a problem, so long as they’re getting something out of it,” Mr Connell said.
Classes are open to people of a wide range of ages, with the instructor having previously taught students ranging from primary school aged children to a 72-year-old grandmother.
Families are also welcome, with one local family currently having children involved while their mother participates alongside them.
The classes follow a belt structure, giving students goals to work towards as they develop their skills. Newcomers are encouraged to attend and try it out, before committing to purchasing a uniform.
Mr Connell said the $10 fee was deliberately kept low to ensure martial arts remained accessible to the local community.
“Even with the cost of living going up, $10 is not even two coffees,” he said.
Mr Connell, who has lived in the area for several years and is now semi-retired, said he hoped to continue passing on the knowledge he had gained through decades of martial arts.
His own instructor was the one who encouraged him to begin teaching, telling him he needed to start passing his skills on to others.
He said reaching black belt level also brought a realisation that martial arts was about continually learning and sharing that knowledge.
“You wonder what to do with all the knowledge and skills you’ve accumulated,” he said.
“Naturally, you should be teaching it.”
Classes are held at the Molong RSL Club on Monday evenings from 5.30pm. People interested in finding out more are encouraged to come along and give it a try.