16 students, family and friends fronted up to celebrate skills gained throughout the year. 

For the Wattie and Richter families, the night was a celebration of goals kicked together. 

Daniel Wattie has been attending training with his three children, Flynn 11, Clare, 10 and Bryce, 9.

He has a history training as a mixed martial artist himself and was keen to get his kids involved in the sport because of the enshrined values of respect and discipline.  

After watching from the side, the decided to join in himself. 

“It’s a great experience for us all to do it together,” Mr Wattie said. 

“I’m watching the kids grow and learn more about themselves really.” 

Instructor John Leak said getting parents involved is a real focus.

“We see it time and time again at sporting fields, parents are sitting on the sidelines, supporting kids but forgetting about themselves,” Mr Leak said. 

“We are really trying to encourage parents to be involved in the training, even if it’s just holding kick bags.

“Many parents forget about themselves or think they are too old or not fit enough, but the way we train, we can cater to any strength or fitness level, it’s just about performing at your best.” 

Wayne Richter has been attending classes with his 12-year-old son Codan for about nine months. 

Codan won a trophy for commitment to training at Monday’s presentation, a particularly proud moment for his dad Wayne. 

Unlike Daniel, this year has been Wayne’s first foray into martial arts. 

“I used to play football, cricket, lawn bowls, and finished with cricket six years ago,” he said. 

“The actual fitness benefits of Tae Kwon Do are great.

“I’m 41 on Sunday and I’m not going to stop.” 

He graded up to yellow with his son earlier this year and said it’s been a good bonding experience. 

Mr Leak said when classes recommence with the school term in 2018 another core focus will be getting more girls and women involved. 

There were only two girls participating of about 16 students in 2017 and the club is keen to diversify its base.