By Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff
United World Taekwondo Association (UWTA) Taekwondo Center, a martial arts studio located in Lynnwood, is hosting virtual lessons amid the coronavirus pandemic through the video conferencing service Zoom.
The online classes are an innovative solution to the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order that has directed gyms and other non-essential businesses like the UWTA Taekwondo Center to temporarily close.
Owner and operator of the martial arts center Sean Dalton began facilitating the online sessions to help his students stay active during isolation.
“As a small business owner, innovation is one of those things that drives what we do. In martial arts, that is no less the case,” explained Dalton. “I wanted to make sure that our students still had some sort of physical activity… some sort of outlet and have a reason to continue their martial arts training.”
As the chief instructor of the studio, Dalton is steaming modified lessons grouped by belt levels and ranks. During sessions, the sixth-degree blackbelt demonstrates various martial arts techniques and then walks students through the proper form, just as he would if they were at the studio.
“What it comes down to, is I want to maintain that interaction with my students and still be able to help guide them and train them,” stated Dalton. “Our student base has been supportive of it. They’ve been having a blast getting to practice in the comfort of their own home.”
Dalton acknowledges that online classes present challenges, but overall, says students like the structure it provides while they’re at home.
“For the most part, it’s been very positive based on the feedback I’ve gotten from my students and the community.” Everybody’s been very supportive and very happy with what we’re doing,” said Dalton. “It’s not ideal, I would love to be face-to-face with the students, but right now it’s just not possible. This is the next best thing.”
UWTA’s online classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Beginner ranking sessions are held from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., immediate ranks from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. is advanced and 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the blackbelt class. Try out a free Taekwondo Zoom class at UWTA Taekwondo Center by emailing uwtataekwondocenter@gmail.com or calling (425) 678-0067. Visit https://www.uwtataekwondocenter.com/ for more information.
