Taekwondo Central & Little Dragons
True Escape Stories

Crispen's Story

"However, the extent of learning and ownership of these skills was made most apparent when my 7 year-old found himself facing danger in a busy public carpark."

A Mother’s tribute to the ‘Little Dragons’ programme from Taekwondo Central

The path to independence and self discovery can be so exciting and unpredictable. Yet too many children experience the impacts of an environment that is neglectful, unwelcoming or unsafe. Feelings of powerlessness, fear and disrespect have a huge impact upon the development of trust, self-esteem and the establishment of safe boundaries. Opportunities that address these realities are sadly lacking, particularly for our vulnerable young children. It is only when children feel safe in the relationships with important adults that they are able to experience a broader sense of safety in the world around them…

Both of my children experienced low self esteem through no fault of their own, and so I was pleased to enroll them in the popular and affordable ‘Little Dragons’ classes run by Justin Warren and his dedicated team of “Taekwondo Central”.

Justin is, in my opinion, a true ‘Master’ and champion, who possesses a humility and compassion that has earned him respect with young and old alike: Using role play, games, imagination and fun, balanced with an expectation of clear boundaries, discipline and respect, my children grew in their individual ways. Through his leadership my children, like so many others, developed the physical and mental skills and confidence to defend and assert themselves and to use their powerful skills appropriately.

"Shouting ‘GET BACK’, he jumped back, releasing himself from his surprised assailant’s grip. There is little doubt this learned behaviour had become automatic,"

Such rewards are priceless in themselves. However, the extent of learning and ownership of these skills was made most apparent when my 7 year-old found himself facing danger in a busy public carpark. A man got out of a white ute next to the passenger side of dad’s car. He told my son to get in the car with him and took hold of his arm. Without any hesitation, my son applied his learned defensive skills. Shouting ‘GET BACK’, he jumped back, releasing himself from his surprised assailant’s grip. There is little doubt this learned behaviour had become automatic, and it saved my son from extreme threat. Furthermore, it helped his recovery because he had acted assertively, appropriately and successfully against an adult. His positive self-image was further reinforced. My son subsequently received invaluable additional support from Justin in the weeks following this incident, which served to further enhance his self-esteem and supported us in addressing his emotional recovery.

Thank you, Justin, for sharing your gifts with us. You are a true hero and a role model for us all. You have given my children a sense of ownership and belief in their own abilities through a programme which should be a compulsory part of Early Childhood Education.

Hilary Cayley, Leschenault
November 2008

Blake's Story

"It was then I saw my son apply his self defence move, and yelled out "Get Back". Exactly What he had been taught from Justins Little Dragons Class"

A Mother’s tribute to the ‘Little Dragons’ program

When I saw an add for Taekwondo Centrals Little Dragons - A self defence program for under 8's. My husband and I enrolled our son aged 4 into the class. We had always worried about Stranger Danger, but it was always as if it never happened to us.

It wasn't until this year when we had gone away on holidays, every parents worst nightmare had happened. We had stopped at a busy market place with our children. I had stopped to look at a store while I has a loose grip on my sons hand, when a lady walked past us and pushed him out of my reach, dragging my son by the arm, the woman made for a quick escape

"I strongly urge parents to enrol; their kids, it could save their lives."

I was frantic and started pushing through the crowd yelling at her to stop. It was then I saw my son apply his self defence move, and yelled out "Get Back". Exactly What he had been taught from Justins Little Dragons Class

I look at this as being one of the worst days of my life, yet I have the sense of relief knowing that if it hadn't been for Justin's Little Dragons class and his wonderful instructors teaching kids self defence - it could have turned out alot worse. My husband and I are extreamly greatful to them all.

I strongly urge parents to enrol; their kids, it could save their lives.

Nicole, Eaton
November 2008