My Personal Journey with Padel - Story from Our PE Teacher

My name is Adrian Ventura, Primary Junior School PE Teacher at Dulwich College Suzhou.

I am originally from Spain, widely known as the home of Padel. While I occasionally played Padel with my family back home, it wasn’t until I arrived in Suzhou that it became a key part of my well-being routine. I have been teaching at Dulwich College Suzhou for three years. Prior to that, I worked in Barcelona for several years in international education, where I began my career as a PE teacher. 

Well-Being at DCSZ

At Dulwich College Suzhou, well-being is not just a value we teach to our students; it’s a way of life embraced by us educators. In a fast-paced environment where we are expected to bring our best every day, maintaining our own physical and mental health is just as important. Personally, I’ve found my outlet in Padel, a sport that has become not just a hobby but a cornerstone of my well-being routine. 

What is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport that blends tennis and squash. It’s easy to pick up but challenging enough to keep you engaged. The best part? It’s accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level. Whether you’re playing a friendly match with colleagues or diving into a more competitive game, Padel offers something for everyone. That’s what first drew me to it. 

Discovering Padel

As a teacher, I’ve always believed in practising what we preach—staying active, fostering teamwork, and embracing resilience. However, finding time to engage in activities that support my own well-being outside the classroom was challenging—until I discovered Padel. From the moment I first played at PadelGo in Suzhou, I was hooked. Padel quickly became more than just a way to stay active; it became a way to connect with friends, relieve stress, and remain physically engaged. 

Beyond the physical benefits, Padel offered a sense of community and shared enthusiasm that made it incredibly rewarding. As a PE teacher, I immediately saw how Padel mirrored the values of teamwork, perseverance, and strategy that I strive to impart to my students. 

My Personal Journey with Padel 

Since discovering Padel, I’ve competed in several tournaments, including the China Padel Tour (CPT) 125 in Suzhou, and I’m planning to participate in international tournaments in 2025. These experiences have been both humbling and motivating, giving me a deeper understanding of perseverance, focus, and teamwork—all lessons I bring into my PE classes.

Padel has also inspired me to share my passion with a broader audience, leading me to start Kung Fu Padel, a channel dedicated to promoting the growth of Padel in Asia and its benefits. One of the things I love most about Padel is that it’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about mental toughness, strategy, and collaboration. These are lessons I strive to instil in my students every day, and experiencing them firsthand has made me a better teacher.

Benefits of Padel

Padel has become a cornerstone of my personal well-being, offering benefits that extend far beyond the court: 

• Stress Relief: After a long day in the classroom, stepping onto the Padel court allows me to recharge mentally and physically. It’s the perfect way to clear my mind, reset, and unwind. 
• Teamwork: The social nature of Padel has strengthened my connections not only with colleagues but also with the wider Suzhou community. Playing alongside others fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 
• Physical Fitness: Regular play has enhanced my agility, coordination, and overall health. These improvements have given me more energy and focus to bring my best self to the classroom. 
• Improved Well-Being: Padel has reinforced the value of resilience, balance, and an active lifestyle—all qualities I strive to model and instil in my students. 

By engaging in Padel, I’ve also found inspiration for innovative approaches to teaching. I even became a Certified Padel Coach through Padel MBA! The skills and values I’ve gained on the court—teamwork, strategy, and perseverance—directly inform my teaching philosophy and practices. 

Looking Ahead: Padel at DCSZ

As the popularity of Padel continues to rise in Suzhou, I’m excited about the potential to integrate it further into our well-being initiatives at DCSZ. This year, we hosted our PE Department's well-being activity there, and I believe it would be beneficial to offer opportunities for our students to learn and participate in the sport in the future. If you’d like to try it out during the Christmas season, feel free to reach out to me via email：[email protected]

Conclusion: The Impact of Padel on My Well-Being

Padel has become an integral part of my life and personal well-being routine, reinforcing everything I teach my students. It has helped me develop resilience, work as part of a team, and maintain physical health—qualities that make me a better teacher. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way to stay connected with the community, improve my fitness, and model a healthy, balanced lifestyle for my students.