A SUNNY Saturday morning provided the perfect backdrop for Vale based JSTKD ‘s youngest students to show off their skills, as they undertook their Summer Grading Graduation in the gardens of Dinas Powys Parish Hall.

The youngsters are all members of Ninja Kids, JSTKD’s Taekwondo programme specifically tailored for three–five year olds and belong to clubs in Barry, Sully, Dinas Powys, Rhoose, and Llantwit Major. For the graduation day, the children were joined by fellow Ninjas from sister club, Inner Spirit, based in Cardiff.

The Ninjas put on an impressive display to show their proud parents what they had been learning over the past months. They showcased their pad work, demonstrating a variety of kicks and punches under their instructor’s watchful eye and then answered a range of questions about Taekwondo that covered not only what the names of the moves were but also how to behave properly in class.

The Ninja Kids programme is a great way to introduce younger children to Taekwondo with basic moves being taught that give them a head start as they progress to Junior club level. Ninja Kids have their own colour belt system to work through to reward their achievements in class. Barry Mum, Viv Wilfred, whose son Alex attends the club added: “What I like about the programme is that as well as the Taekwondo side of things it also teaches some important practical skills such as stranger danger awareness and how to work with other children during the team tasks. Besides that of course, Alex always has great fun and has made lots of new friends too.”

JSTKD Martial Arts and Fitness is open virtually year round and new locations are planned so there will be even more choice of venues for anyone who is interested in their child taking part. The club offers two free trial lessons to enable children to experience the Ninja Kids programme before committing to membership. Full details of classes for ages three years up to adults can be found at jstkd.co.uk