T.I.E In The Media
Pupils Love The New School Tae

 Martial Arts Brings The Best Out Of Children

 By Peter Cordwell  (Greenwich Time June 9th 2009)
 A quiet – and sometimes noisy – revolution is taking place in Greenwich primary schools across the borough.
Pupils are being taught to be positive in everything they do through the martial art of Taekwondo – and the response has knocked its organiser for six.
Master David Venkatachellum, who also runs the local Tan’Gun Taekwondo Academy, now runs sessions at 40 Greenwich schools after starting at St Margaret’s CE, Plumstead in 2005.
David told Greenwich Time: “It’s been absolutely amazing. I run sessions at breakfast clubs, after school clubs and during school time. Soon I’ll have to take on other instructors to help me out.
“The response from teachers and parents has been fantastic. I’ve only had positive ones. Parents have noticed great changes in their children’s behaviour and confidence. 		 

“There’s one boy who could be a bit of a handful but if his energy is properly focused he could be a champion.” GT joined a session at Horn Park primary school in Lee, where it was obvious that the children really take to the new school Tae and its five tenets: Modesty, etiquette, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit.
David, 35, said: “The whole point of Taekwondo is to overcome adversity and it’s something that modern children and young people can relate to. Everything we do is related to children’s education and it ticks all the boxes in the national curriculum guidelines as well.
“I’ve also been into secondary schools, most recently Blackheath Bluecoats and I must say I was delighted by how the boys in particular took to it. They can seem intimidating but they were great without exception.
“Including my own club, I can be working from 9:30am to 9:30pm. That’s how much I love it and feel that it’s doing some good.”
Year 4 pupil Tilly James told GT: “Taekwondo is really fun. I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Our Taekwondo teacher is the best. His name is David, but we call him Sir.”
Kia Coker said: “It’s very good for you. I think it’s an amazing sport. You never get bored.”
Headteacher David Roll said: “David has a great impact on the children in Year 4. He has shown how a martial art can be used for self defence and self-control. The children have enjoyed it and learned a great deal.”