Shim Jang Riverina master Craig Hesketh said the coronavirus shutdown was the ultimate test of discipline for his young proteges, who would now have to keep up their training without a face-to-face instructor.

"That's the discipline of martial arts, you've got to be strong in yourself and push yourself to train," Mr Hesketh said.

"We're trying to keep them as motivated as possible, because it could be a fair wait and we're worried about the consequences of young people sitting around not doing anything for months at a time."

Mr Hesketh is practising what he preaches, doing shadow boxing at home and using a practice-dummy to hone his deadly kicks and keep his skills sharp in the uncertain months ahead.

He is also recording instructional videos for his pupils so they can practise their stances and forms in a follow-along format.

Once grading season comes along he will be critiquing their progress via Zoom and giving them some pointers to work on at home.

Second-dan instructor Lee Hesketh said now was the time for her young disciples to sharpen their skills, saying they would come in handy when school resumes and for life in general.

"One of our students was being bullied mercilessly at school, but his dad was like 'come on, you know taekwondo'," Mrs Hesketh said.

"And so he decided he was sick of being bullied and he stood up for himself. It's a great thing, martial arts."

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