A Papamoa 11-year-old is encouraging all kids to take up martial arts.

Andrej Ginovski recently won a bronze and a silver medal at the regional Taekwon-Do tournament in Whakatane – having trained for just two-and-a-half years with Tauranga’s Martial Arts Academy.

“I wasn’t expecting to get any medals at all because it’s the first time I’ve ever competed,” says Andrej.

He was inspired to take up the sport by a movie.

“I was in the living room watching Bruce Lee with my mum and I thought: ‘This is insane. I want to be like that guy!’”

Andrej is now a blue belt, and his trainer couldn’t be more proud. As a multi-medallist at world championship events, 7th dan Black Belt master Christine Young knows how much work is involved both in and outside class.

“Andrej’s a diligent student who practises at home, so he’s done really well. He’s great at the special techniques – like the flying kicks – and very good at the theoretical side.

"In fact, for someone so young, I’m impressed with his grasp of the biomechanical side of Taekwon-Do and the need for precision in each move.”

“I like that it conditions my body,” says Andrej. “I used to be chubby and really weak.

"Now I’m thinking more about what I eat and healthy veggies and when we’re cleaning up in class, I’m strong enough to pick up five chairs at a time so I’m more useful.”  

But it’s so much more than self-defence, says Andrej.

“I’ve learned about discipline and respect. When the master comes into the dojang [Korean for training hall], you have to bow to him or her and at the start of class. If you miss that step, it’s disrespectful.”

Christine says the kids learn respect, responsibility and resilience.

“They also get good at setting goals, then breaking tasks down and following a plan to achieve their goals. In Taekwon-Do, we’re preparing our students to be champions in life.”

For more information on Taekwon-Do, see The Martial Arts Academy website at: www. tmaa.co.nz