Whiston Taekwondo YARS Learning Disability Week 1600

This week marks Learning Disability Week, and here at British Taekwondo, we continue to strive to make the sport accessible to all.

As part of those efforts, we have been working alongside the Young Adult Respite Service (YARS), which aims to create positive change through interaction and activities in the lives of young disabled adults.

Regular activity and organised exercise can massively help physical and mental wellbeing, and the 12-week Taekwondo course proved to be a massive success for those who attended, with the programme culminating in a grading to celebrate their achievements.

From start to finish, the collaborative spirit was thriving among the group while they were shown the ropes at Whiston Taekwondo, with friendships blossoming throughout the sessions, as Taekwondo once again proves itself as a force for good among the community.

British Taekwondo Disability Officer Keira Forsythe said: “This 12-week Taekwondo course with YARS has been a fantastic demonstration of how martial arts can be made inclusive, accessible, and truly empowering for all. We’ve seen participants gain not only physical skills but a huge boost in self-confidence and independence.

“What’s been most inspiring is the personal growth we’ve witnessed week by week. Many of the young adults began the course hesitant and unsure – but now, they carry themselves with pride and purpose. That’s the real power of Taekwondo.

“This programme has brought people together in a way that fosters connection, mutual support, and shared achievement. It shows how sport can play a vital role in creating stronger, more inclusive communities.

“Working alongside YARS has been an absolute pleasure. Their commitment to providing meaningful, engaging activities for their members aligns perfectly with our mission at British Taekwondo to make the sport accessible to everyone.”

Watch the video below to see how beneficial the course was for those at YARS, and how enjoyable learning the martial art was for all involved.