Chilling in the New Year

 

 

Thirty years ago, on January 1, a group of instructors with Whitecourt Taekwondo caught a glimpse of the annual polar bear dip in the ocean on television. “We thought, boy, it sure would be nice to do that,” said Master Jim Rennie, “but we’re kind of missing the ocean. So, we thought, why don’t we go workout barefoot in the snow?” And, thus, began the tradition.

The very next year, the group went through with its plans and participated in the first ever Workout in the Snow. The entire event is very quick, lasting roughly two minutes, but the chill is definitely felt the very second toes touch the snow. “One of the things I find interesting is that when we started 29 years ago, the uniforms were old, bulky, and didn’t breathe very well which was awesome for going outside. Now we have these new ones that breathe great and they are so thin that they’re horrible for working outside, but (laughing) the people who designed these in South Korea probably never could’ve imagined anyone doing this,” said Rennie.

“It’s a bit of history for our club that we’ve never missed a year,” said Jim, adding that over the years the group has experienced -40 degrees, icy conditions, balmy mild conditions, years without any snow at all, and windy, snowy days, too. January 1, 2017 was -10 and windy which made for a brisk dash.

Situated on the far side soccer pitch area where Party in the Park was held during the summer, the group met up and had a laugh in preparation. The children went first with boots on and ran through their quick workout which included jumping jacks and pushups. Chilled and smiling, they all ran back over to awaiting parents to get their coats on. The adults and some very brave children followed next, barefoot.

One of the kids who joined the adults was Payton Baker who has been in Taekwondo for the past five years, “I’m going barefoot in the snow today and I’m excited. It’s my second year doing this but last year I wasn’t barefoot.” When asked her most favourite part of taekwondo, Payton smiled big and said, “Sparring! It’s super fun!”

Whitecourt Taekwondo has received recognition for its winter bravery on a national news level with word reaching as far as South Korea. “Your head is cleared and your body is wide awake after we’re done,” said Master Rennie, “It’s a lot of fun and I think it’s something unique. It’s comradery in the club that we like to embrace our winter.”

There are currently just under 200 members in the club and beginner’s classes for both adults and children start on January 10. “We have a great mixture of all ages that take part.” Those who want to try out taekwondo and see if they like it have the opportunity to enjoy a free week. Call Jim at 780-778-0202 for more information.

At the end of January, the 28^th Annual Taekwondo Championship will be taking place with over 300 fighters from across Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan coming together at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt.