Penarth TKD, a Taekwon-do school based in Glyndwr Hall, last Thursday held its first indoor session since lockdown was imposed in December.

Instructor Victoria Phillips, held Zoom classes throughout the pandemic.

When the easing of restrictions allowed it, she also organised outdoor group sessions - some of which were called off due to bad weather.

But Thursday saw normal service resume. Eleven under tens and five adults were in attendance.

All were thrilled to be back throwing punches and kicks in a fun and instructive environment.

"Everyone's had enough of being stuck inside," Vicky told Nub News after the session. "So for the kids to be able to come back has been amazing. What was really great was how many new starters there were."

Learning a martial art has proven mental health benefits, from improved self-esteem and temperament to reduced anxiety.

Vicky says there is no better time to take up Taekwon-do, particularly for children.

According to various studies, younger age groups have suffered significantly throughout the pandemic.

One study in Jornal de Pediatria even compared enduring the pandemic to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Children are ill-equipped to cope with confinement. Their development requires face-to-face interaction and physical contact.

"It's an outlet and a relaxation tool," continued Vicky. "I'm a teacher by day, so when I get back from work it's amazing to get out and blow off some steam and forget about the day. I love Taekwon-do."

Don't just take Vicky's word for it. We also spoke to a number of parents and their children about the benefits of the class.

"It's fantastic," one mother told Nub News. Her son attended the class for the first time on Thursday. "He's loved every second of it.

"To be honest, he's not been badly behaved during lockdown - just quite bored and lazy. That's why this is so important."

Another parent named Alex told us:

"It's absolutely fantastic - we're really happy to be honest. It's obviously so important for them to have that social contact with other kids."

"I like everything about the class," added his five-year-old daughter Charlotte before showing off one of her newly learnt punches.

Children in Wales do not have to wear masks or socially distance themselves while taking part in indoor activity.

But Vicky has taken additional steps to make the class as COVID-safe as possible, such as limiting small group activities..

She urges everyone who is interested to get in touch via her mobile number (07843018750).

"Come and have a go. I don't do this for the money. I do it because I love it."