A HIGH-KICKING bunch of young martial artists will ensure an energetic welcome for two of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when they storm into Wrexham. 
The popular duo, Leo and Raph, who have been trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Master Splinter, will be at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre on Tuesday, August 12.
They will be making their way into the busy shopping centre where they’ll be on hand at various intervals between 11am and 3.30pm to meet and greet young fans.
In the TV series, the formidable foursome of Turtles emerge from their sewer lair to confront the wondrous world of New York City, facing villains more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined.
There to give them the perfect welcome will be members of Hope Wrexham Tae Kwon-do (TKD) Club who will show shoppers some pretty spectacular moves of their own.
Fifteen members of the club led by their chief instructor, Tae Kwon-do sixth degree black belt Julie Price, have been to Eagles Meadow this week to practice the reception they’re planning for the Ninja Turtles.
Julie, 53, from Wrexham, said: “Tae Kwon-Do is a modern Korean martial art, characterised by its fast, high and spinning kicks. There are multiple interpretations of the name Tae Kwon-Do.
“Tae Kwon-Do is often translated as ‘The Way of Foot and Hand’. Tae means to jump or smash with the foot. Kwon means to punch or destroy with the hand, and Do means art, way or method.
“Put this together and Tae Kwon-Do means the Art of Kicking and Punching.
“I’ve has been teaching since 1988 and opened Wrexham Hope TKD in 2000. During that time we’ve produced over 60 black belts, the youngest being nine years and seven months old. Four of our former students are currently running their own clubs.
“We currently have a total of 130 members aged from three to 77 years old and we run classes throughout the week at the sports hall in Glyndwr University, Rhosnesni High School, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham and Castell Alun High School in Mold as well as in Coedpoeth and Ellesmere.
“I think it’s great that Leo and Raph from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are coming to Eagles Meadow because they’re experts in martial arts and the kids really enjoy their adventures.”
The event is part of a series of visits by popular TV characters as part of a “Celebrity Summer” at Eagles Meadow.
On Tuesday, August 19, Fireman Sam will be coming and the final visit will be by Lau Lau from Waybuloo on Tuesday, August 26.
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film will be coming to the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow in October.
Among those limbering up to greet Leo and Raph on August 12 is 12-year-old Hope Wrexham TKD member Jack Cox, from Llay, near Wrexham.
Jack, who has been a member of the club for the past four years, said: “I like it because you meet new friends and it also helps to build your self-confidence and keep fit.
“My favourite Tae Kwon-do move is the Tornado Kick, in which you get to jump up in the air and kick towards your opponent.
“I think that’s one of the moves I’ll be showing Leo & Raph when they come. I’m a big fan of theirs and it was great to hear that they’re coming to Eagles Meadow.”
Joining Jack in the club line-up when Leo and Raph turn up at Eagles Meadow will be his 11-year-old friend George Rodenhurst, also from Llay.
He said: “I’ve been a member of the club for the past four years and I enjoy it because it’s good for your self-confidence and also helps to keep you fit.
“I’ve been in a couple of competitions while I’ve been at the club and done pretty well, coming in second and third places.
“My favourite move is the 360 Turn, which means going round your opponent and trying to make them dizzy before coming in to attack them with a kick.
“I think it’s really good that Leo and Raph are coming to Eagles Meadow because I’m a big fan and can’t wait until they arrive.”
Wrexham Hope TKD is backed by one of Britain’s leading Tae Kwon-do organisations, the Tae Kwon-do Association of Great Britain (TAGB) with over 25,000 members to date. It is a founder member of the British Tae Kwon-do Council, which is recognised by the British Sports Council.
Leader Julie Price added: “Tae Kwon-Do is for men, women and children. It will improve your fitness, flexibility, and most of all your confidence.
“Right from the very first lesson, you will start developing a whole new range of skills and capabilities. Tae Kwon-Do is also a superb form of self-defence and also a great way to keep fit and trim.
“It is arguably one of the best methods of installing self-confidence into children and at the same time emphasizes the importance of respect and discipline. Tae Kwon-Do is safe, practical and most of all enjoyable.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “As a grandfather, I am hugely aware of the popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and have in depth discussions as to who is the best Turtle – my grandson’s vote is for Raph and I must say I have to agree with him.
“But I am sure that other fans will have their own, equally valid opinions about which of this fantastic foursome are the best.
“I am sure that the visit of Leo and Raph will be a big hit and an opportunity to showcase the talents of the Hop Wrexham Tae Kwon-do Club.”
For more details of Hope Wrexham Tae Kwon-do Club, go to their website at: http://www.hope-wrexham-tkd.co.uk/
