WITH sports struggling through lockdown, Cumbria's Taekwondo practitioners have been adjusting their training under restrictions.

Lead Instructor of Summerlands, Ryan Lightley said: "Unfortunately our training has reduced dramatically and we have been forced to concentrate more on fitness and traditional hand and foot techniques and poomsae (patterns) which can be done on the spot and requires no contact.

The Westmorland Gazette: TEACHING: Lead Instructor of Summerlands, Ryan Lightley describes Martial Arts training during lockdownTEACHING: Lead Instructor of Summerlands, Ryan Lightley describes Martial Arts training during lockdown

"For most sports training is off the agenda at the moment as it requires contact, which is unfortunate as this is our main focus at Summerlands, however we have tried to adapt where possible and use BOB's (freestanding Body opponent bags).

"We are keen to build and expand our club so this has been a good motivation to keep going and I think the routine of classes each week has really helped maintain some normality for the kids and given them something to look forward to. Through the lockdown period we adapted by training online via Zoom.

"The kids have shown true resilience and have taken to it all in their stride.

The Westmorland Gazette: SPARRING: Cumbria TKD SPARRING: Cumbria TKD

"We have been fortunate enough to have forged a really strong network of supportive parents who have been with us since we opened back in September and therefore feel this can only get better as the difficulties ease."