Virtual Martial Arts: How Taekwondo is Adapting to the Pandemic
Taekwondo is recognized as one of the oldest martial arts globally, having originated in Korea over 2000 years ago. Despite its long and complex history, though, the past year has forced the martial art to change and adapt more than ever. With the provincial government making frequent changes to COVID-19 regulations and many people opting to stay home, many taekwondo clubs around the province have taken a significant toll during the pandemic. Local taekwondo master and Vice President of the Alberta Taekwondo Association, Jim Rennie, says that most taekwondo clubs in Alberta have seen a 75% decline in enrolment since the beginning of the pandemic. Many non-profit clubs, which often practice in school gymnasiums or community centres, have lost access to their practice spaces; private taekwondo gyms face financial issues, and several clubs have had to abandon their leases or even close permanently as a result.