18/08/20

Cardiff Martial Arts have moved their range of classes to the temporary outdoor courts in Bute Park near Blackweir changing rooms due to their regular indoor venues being closed due to the pandemic.

Restarting the classes and adapting to the outdoor environment has been a great boost to the martial arts community, who can now safely resume their training in line with social distancing guidelines.

The five temporary courts at Bute Park are part of a scheme to support organisations and business with private outdoor space for group activities that usually happen indoors but are unable to go ahead under current government guidelines.

Since its launch a number of community groups have been able to resume their activities and the team at Bute Park are continuing to take bookings for any groups who are looking for a safe environment in which to operate.

Read more to find out how Gareth Peake, Cardiff Martial Arts Instructor, benefited from the scheme.

Where do you normally practice?

We usually train indoors, in a local church hall, primary school and a council hub. Currently those venues are closed under government guidelines.

What does it mean to be able to re-start your business in this way?

Restarting has been a great boost to our Martial Arts community. Seeing each other, training in person, rather than on a screen has really raised our morale as a group, and mine as an instructor. Our members have also significantly increased.

How have you found the process of booking the space and making your sessions work in an outdoor environment?

Booking the outdoor space was straightforward, and the Bute Park team were really helpful and enthused to have us use the space.

What have been the positives about re-starting and how do they find participating in your sessions at Blackweir?

I know they've found it great to meet back up in person again, there was a real buzz around our groups particularly in the first outdoor sessions. They've really enjoyed training outdoors and it's a beautiful environment, the view out across the fields with the backdrop of the trees is fantastic.

If you are interested in hiring one of the outdoor courts or would like more information, including prices, visit the  Bute Park information pages.