Martial arts group celebrates 50 years

STUDENTS and teachers both past and present from martial arts school Ballarat and Western Victorian Taekwondo gathered over the weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday.

The reunion event saw about 25 to 30 alumni meet at the North Star Hotel on Saturday to acknowledge the non-profit’s 50th anniversary.

Instructor and secretary Simon Andrews, who’s been with the non-profit since 1995, said the day proved a great way to catch up with old colleagues.

“We had the grandmaster Mr [Young Youl] Oh with us visiting from Melbourne also with [founder] Mr John Le Busque and Vince Duffy who are our former instructors,” he said.

“We also had former students and black belts mingling with current students. It was good to catch up on where everyone’s at in their life.”

Established in 1974, Ballarat and Western Victorian Taekwondo previously operated out of the former YMCA building at Camp Street and is now based at the

VRI Hall.

Mr Andrews said the event was an opportunity for existing students to see the extent of the school’s history.

“It was good for them to mix with people who’ve been

through the school over the years,” he said. “They’re obviously part of the bigger club that we’ve formed

over a long period of time so hopefully they can see that

and can strive to be around for years to come and keep achieving goals.”

Mr Andrews estimated the organisation currently has between 10 and 15 students and said there are no plans as yet to continue celebrating the anniversary.