Gateshead Taekwon-Do

11/06/2026

Well said! This is how we teach too!
At Gateshead Taekwon-Do, you earn your black belt. Unlike some schools, here it isn't something you can buy, or are just given. Nor is it a race to pass through the grades because you've 'done your time'. You need to take the time to learn the skills and knowledge to achieve your black belt and to appreciate and respect the process. As we seniors were taught, 'the journey is the reward'! 👊

Why We Take Time to Progress Through the Belt System at Saltire Martial Arts 🥋

At Saltire Martial Arts, we believe that true progress in Taekwon‑do is about more than just earning a new belt — it’s about developing skill, character, and understanding at every stage. Each belt represents a step forward in knowledge, discipline, and personal growth. Taking time to progress ensures that every student builds a strong foundation before moving on.

1. Mastery Over Memorisation
We don’t rush through techniques or patterns. Students are encouraged to truly understand what they’re learning — how to apply it, why it matters, and how it connects to the principles of Taekwon‑do.

2. Building Confidence and Character
Progressing gradually allows students to gain confidence through consistent effort. Every achievement feels earned, reinforcing self‑belief, patience, and perseverance — qualities that extend beyond the dojang.

3. Respect for the Journey
Each belt level carries meaning and tradition. Taking time to progress teaches respect — for the art, for instructors, and for the process of learning itself.

4. Physical and Mental Readiness
Advancement isn’t just about performing techniques; it’s about demonstrating control, focus, and maturity. Students develop strength, coordination, and discipline at a pace that supports long‑term success.

5. Quality Over Quantity
We value quality training and personal growth over rapid promotion. Every student who earns a new belt at Saltire Martial Arts does so with pride, knowing they’ve truly earned it through dedication and effort.

At Saltire Martial Arts, the belt system is not a race — it’s a journey of self‑improvement, respect, and lifelong learning.

08/06/2026

BLAYDON RACE ROAD CLOSURES
It's that time again, so watch our for road closures on the way to class tonight.
Newcastle Council have given out this info:
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Twas on the 9th of Joon 🎵
Up to 5000 runners will be competing in The Blaydon Race, which is due to start on Newcastle Quayside, tomorrow at 19:15 🏃🏿‍♂️ 🏃
Good luck to everyone who’s running and have fun if you’re there to spectate this iconic race🤝
🚧 As always, there will be a number of road closures in place for the race, here are the list of closures in Newcastle:
Quayside Road (B1600): 15:00 - 20:45
Sandhill/Close/Swing Bridge (B1600): 18:25 - 20:00
Skinnerburn Road: 18:25 - 20:15
Monarch Road/William Armstrong Drive: 18:25 - 20:30
Scotswood Road (A695): 18:25 - 21:00
Scotswood Bridge (South towards Metrocentre): 18:25 to 21:00
Scotswood Bridge (North & West): 18:25 to 21:30

31/05/2026

WE'RE BACK AND BRINGING ON THE SUMMER!
Just a reminder that classes resume tomorrow, Monday 1st June, at the usual times. What a great way to kick off the official start of meteorological Summer! ☀️

Remember - if ever you cannot make it to class, please message us to let us know and give as much notice as possible. Please do this for every class you can't get to as it helps with planning. Thanks.

22/05/2026

MAY BANK HOLIDAY/HALF TERM
Just a reminder that there will be no classes next week due to the Bank Holiday (25th May) and half-term.
Classes resume at their usual times on Monday 1st June onwards.
Have fun - see you all again soon ☀️

20/05/2026

COMPETITION SUCCESS!
Congratulations to Ms. Phillipson on her fantastic success at the GMS Championships in Scotland last weekend. Very well done.
Thanks go to Mackenzie for representing the Club as an official on the day - lots of experience gained at a very busy competition with over 300 competitors!
Thanks also to their families for their support - your contribution is greatly appreciated, as always!
Well done to you all! 👊

19/05/2026

ITF Taekwon-Do teaches so much more than kicking and punching. What we do, how we behave, and even what we wear is full of meaning: "The dobok brings us together.
It is more than fabric and form—it is a quiet declaration of who we are and what we choose to uphold...Each time we tie the belt, we reaffirm our commitment: to respect, to perseverance, to integrity." 👊

The dobok brings us together.
It is more than fabric and form—it is a quiet declaration of who we are and what we choose to uphold.

At one table, two Grand Masters—GM Lan Ung and GM Frank Vanberghen—sit in stillness and attention, witnessing the journey of Master Dionisi and Master Machota. In this moment, generations meet without words. The dobok dissolves distance, nationality, and time, reminding us that we belong to something greater than ourselves.

In the spirit of Eastern philosophy, identity is not fixed but cultivated through daily practice. We are shaped by repetition, by discipline, by the small, consistent acts that refine both body and mind. To wear the dobok is to accept this path—to endure, to remain steady, to return again and again to the same principles, until they become part of our nature.

Confucian thought teaches that virtue grows through ritual and continuity. The dobok is one such ritual—simple, unchanged, and enduring. Each time we tie the belt, we reaffirm our commitment: to respect, to perseverance, to integrity.

In a world that moves quickly and forgets easily, the dobok asks us to stay. To continue. To remember.

Lan Ung GM Frank Vanberghen

14/05/2026

Get in touch ASAP if you want to attend the Scottish Mightyfist Open in June. Entries close soon.

☆☆☆Mighty Fist Open 26☆☆☆
It's coming soon...
🥋The second edition of the Mighty Fist Open. 🥋
🔎 Dundee International arena .
🕒 13th June 2026. 9a.m.
It's going to be a cracker💥💥
Make sure your school is involved!!
Register now Kihapp

10/05/2026

The hall at Dunston Community Centre is being decorated next week, but I'm reliably informed that our classes will not be affected on Monday 11th and Thursday 14th May (as we don't start until 5pm), so please turn up for your class as usual.
REMINDER - Please remember to inform us in advance any time you can't make it to class.
Many thanks.

03/05/2026

Just a reminder, we will be closed on the Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May. Classes run as usual from Thursday 7th.

A little early, but for those who celebrate, Happy 'Star Wars' Day! For those students who still don't understand this, then you have homework to do!😉

23/04/2026

Teach your child to be resilient, not to give up if things get difficult.
ITF Taekwon-Do aims to promote life-skills in line with our tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit 👊