New taekwondo headquarters in Hastings caters to all ages and abilities

By Christian Fuller

Hawkes Bay Today·

6 Jun, 2020 11:14 PM2 mins to read

L-R Ben Evans, from Taekwon-do in Hatings, and Jeremy Glasier, from sponsor Able Axcess, grand opening of the new Taekwon-do headquarters in Hastings. 6th May 2020 Photographer Paul Taylor Hawke's Ba

A new taekwondo headquarters has opened its doors in Hastings.

Run by Ben Evans, the new Taekwon-Do HQ, on Kings St offers classes and workshops in the martial art to all ages and abilities.

The grand opening, which featured a taekwondo demonstration from a range of participants, was attended by close to 100 people.

Evans, a fifth-dan black belt, said with over two months away from the training facility, he'd worried there may have been some rusty performances – but he was pleasantly surprised.

"The day went so quickly, but it was unbelievable. A successful day all round," he said.

"The demo was put together by Jodie Filipo, one of our teenage students, without my input and it was amazing.

"There was a combination of the special needs and mainstream taking part and they put on a great show."

All Covid-19 social distancing regulations were adhered to at the opening of the new headquarters, with contract tracing also in place.

"This is for the members," Evans said. "Everything I've done has been for them.

"They deserve the best and now we've got a modern facility compared to most places. Hopefully it will help the special needs and mainstream guys achieve even more now."