An Aberdeen martial arts group is preparing to give free self-defence lessons to those who have suffered domestic and sexual abuse after moving into their new home in Tillydrone.
Granite City Taekwondo, which specialises in teaching the Korean martial art to the people of Aberdeen, has been operating as a non-profit for the past 19 years.
This year, the charity’s request to use Tillydrone Community Centre was accepted by the council and the group is now putting in place an ambitious plan for the space.
It is led by sixth-degree black belt Lyndzie Jeffrey, who has represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain in the European Championships.
The club had previously been at Danestone Community Centre but required a bigger space due to its popularity.
However, the council will remain the owner of Tillydrone Community Centre and the locals will be involved in meetings on how to best operate the building.
Self defence lessons for women
Miss Jeffrey will be opening the centre’s doors to any woman who wants to come along and learn how to defend themselves.
The charity will be going through the police to reach out to women who have suffered from abuse and it will be a designated space where women can feel safe.
Miss Jeffrey said: “We are trying to get them out of the house and help them build up some confidence.
“Especially post-Covid, a lot of people are still anti-social, but this class will let them learn self defence as well as make friends.”
Free classes for schoolchildren and the elderly
Starting in January 2023, after securing funding from NHS Health Improvement, the club will be offering free fitness classes to older people or those who are unfit.
It will run for six months for those in Tillydrone who would be interested in a social way to improve their health.
Miss Jeffrey, who will be the master of the class, hopes people who are wanting to make a change in their lives as part of a new-years resolution will take part.
They will also be running six months of free classes for schoolchildren in Tillydrone and in Woodside.
In the future, the charity hopes to make Taekwondo open to all. This includes those with learning difficulties or in a wheelchair.
Miss Jeffrey said: “Inclusion is key and we want to make it so everyone is welcome.
“We hope to get funding for more disability accessible facilities like electric doors and a ramp.”
Building gave ‘new lease of life’
Labour councillor for Tillydrone, Ross Grant, said: “I was delighted to have supported the Granite City Taekwondo group bid to take on the former Tillydrone Community Centre because it will ensure that this much loved local venue is given a new lease of life with the potential to be futureproofed for years to come.
“I’m absolutely confident that the group will welcome the local community in to make the most of the chance to embrace the sport to be a bit fitter and healthier.
SNP Councillor for Tillydrone, Kairin van Sweeden, said: “I am always pleased to see increased opportunities for women to discover a form of exercise that they like, and I am especially pleased to see this happening in Tillydrone.”
The charity is also looking for volunteers and donations. To get involved or find out more information follow Granite City Taekwondo on Facebook.
A Tillydrone Community Council spokeswoman said: “We are very pleased that the Tillydrone Community Centre is no longer vacant, having laid empty for a number of years. We are looking forward to seeing all the fantastic activities that Granite City Taekwondo will provide our community with.”
Conversation