Pictured: Helen Lewis (left) and son Luke Lewis (right).

It was suggested by Luke’s physiologist to try a form of martial art as a way to help with his ADHD and Aspergers. The discipline and respect aspect of the art’s can be useful to encourage focus, concentration and self control. Firstly, Luke and his sister tried Go Shin ki, this didn’t suit him and seemed to make matters worse! So for a year he did nothing. Then we had a leaflet on Tae Kwon Do classes; this appealed to me too, so we gave it a go. We haven’t looked back since.

For 2 years we both trained together with a Tae Kwon-Do group in Malvern. As we progressed, we out grew the group and went in search of a more challenging and for-filling way to continue with our training. Our Internet search found the Malvern Tae Kwon-Do Academy (IMA) and with a 1 month free trial how could we not be interested! Know one can tell after a lesson or two if their needs are being met but with in a week or two we felt right at home, and have done ever since.

Luke has enjoyed training with a wider variety of experiences and has improved immensely in his ability to concentrate and follow basic instruction. Before training with the Malvern Tae Kwon-Do Academy Luke was a very gangly un-co-ordinated teenager, within a very short time of training with the Malvern club members Luke has progressed extremely well and has over-come specific aspects of his diagnosed condition in notable ways. Before training with IMA Luke had a long history of specialist help at school with his fine and gross motor skills, his lack of concentration and ability to control his aggressive outbursts.

After 4 months of training with Malvern IMA Tae Kwon-Do Luke’s statement of educational needs (S.E.N) annual review showed significant improvement. They were so impressed with his progress that his fine motor skills have surpassed average testing, he no longer has this particular area included in his statement. The specialists cut his assisted hours in half, Luke can now control his emotions, control his urges better and has also been praised for his ability to master his fine motor skills. The latter is all thanks to the extra help, encouragement from the games and workouts some of the guys have done with Luke while waiting for lessons to start. (Big thanks to Simon there for the blocking / speed games he has rigorously done with Luke).

All the pad work, one to one training Luke has completed over the last four months has helped Luke grow and develop into a more controlled and relaxed person. Luke has managed to make friends and feel part of a group, something he has always struggled to do in the past. Malvern Tae Kwon Do Academy is a very friendly family orientated group of people. The Instructors at the club have very strong values; they are committed to caring and building strong relationships. Everyone is made to feel very welcome at the club; all students are encouraged and motivated at all times to produce high quality work.

In writing this profile for Luke I can only confirm as his mother how the group has helped him in ways physiologists and other bodies have not been able to. It has all owed us both to give a big thank you to ALL the club members for being so accepting and encouraging. The “personal touch” at the club is sadly lacking in most out of school activities. Thank you to Malvern Tae Kwon-Do Academy for such a warm welcome, Luke and I have been accepted by the members and Instructors at the club very quickly.

The club takes on new members all the time, they have a lots of senior grade instructors who are teaching at the club. That’s what makes the club so different from other clubs in the area, they have the benefit of teaching smaller groups which means, we all learn quicker. For anybody who may find difficulty they also coach on a one to one basis. All the instructors are very patient and understanding of individual needs, they will continually work with students to ensure that skills are taken in and understood.

Malvern Tae Kwon-Do Academy heads up the Southern region of Independent Martial Arts Association. When we joined the club we didn’t have to change our uniform or anything else. Our grades were recognised and therefore, Luke and I did not have to start from the beginning again. I really would advise people out there who want to take up a martial art to check out this club. The first month’s training is absolutely free, this is an opportunity to train for the month then walk away without paying anything if the art does not suit you.

- Helen Lewis.

Previous Student Profile: Mr James Rolfe, 3rd Dan.