Our instructors.

When did you start Taekwon-Do?

In the early part of 2009, when I was living in Santiago, Chile. I spotted a poster on the gates of the municipal building next to where I bought my fruit and veg. It advertised free classes at times that I could fit around my work schedule, and suddenly I was hooked (and seeking out all of the classes in the area!)

What is your biggest achievement in Taekwon-Do?

The way is paved with many achievements, and only very few are represented by medals. Persistence when struggling, those wonderful ‘aha’ moments when your body/brain finally lets you have that incremental gain, passing on knowledge to others, and that moment when I somehow had all the students looking like they were in a ‘Thriller’ video.

What is your best moment in Taekwon-Do?

So many! Training with a jedi master in Poland (and scaling that gate that’d been locked because we’d trained too late)… my first competition with the guys from Cams… the atmosphere at the Brighton World Cup… rescuing that baby fox…

What would be your advice to someone new to Taekwon-Do?

Never compare your journey to anybody else’s. We all learn in different ways and at different paces, and we can all learn from everybody else. And don’t use age as an excuse! Support your classmates, and enjoy.

When did you start Taekwon-Do?

I started training age 14 back in 1987 – crazy 80’s with some dubious training methods back then (like blindfold sparring and outside barefoot conditioning on concrete!!)

What is your biggest achievement in Taekwon-Do?

My achievement which I am proud of, gaining my first degree in 2017.

What is your best moment in Taekwon-Do?

Best TKD moment was getting a gold medal for breaking at the Puma Competition – with a jumping back kick, through two boards. I am also proud to be part of Swain Taekwondo – who have helped me improve and welcomed me back after a long break from TKD – a great School with a family feel and professional instructors.

When did you start Taekwon-Do?

I started TKD in 2003 at 10.

What is your biggest achievement in Taekwon-Do?

My greatest achievement was getting my 1st degree black belt (with a credit) while I was also doing my GCSE’s.

What is your best moment in Taekwon-Do?

My favourite TKD moment was beach training (2022) when we had a heatwave and we did almost all of the training in the sea!

What would be your advice to someone new to Taekwon-Do?

My bit of advice for new students would be to never be afraid of asking for help, it’s okay to not get something the first time and that’s why we train in the first place! Being part of Swain TKD means you have a family to rely on when things get tough and we can all learn from each other.

When did you start Taekwon-Do?

I began my Taekwondo journey in January 2015 when I joined the Swain Taekwondo school and have never looked back! Prior to this, I took up Karate when I was 14 years old and really enjoyed both the physical fitness and the focused, educational side. I wanted to carry on when I went to university and joined the Tang Soo Do club when living in Cornwall. After graduating from Exeter, I missed the camaraderie and fun of martial arts and looked for another school in my local area. Fortunately, I saw that Swain Taekwondo were starting a school in Totton and signed up instantly, which I am so thankful I did!

What is your biggest achievement in Taekwon-Do?

Although I am delighted with my two gold medals for sparring and destruction in the 2021 Puma British Championships, I am most proud of passing my yellow belt grading in 2017. I feel that was such a boost to my self-confidence, having taken my time to build up to it, and I felt elated when I found out I had passed!

What is your best moment in Taekwon-Do?

Having been a part of previous martial arts schools, I was worried that I’d not be able to adapt to Taekwondo, but I have! There have been so many opportunities with Swain Taekwondo – from competitions to training days – but ultimately, I have loved being part of the school itself. We are a huge family and everyone is so supportive.

What would be your advice to someone new to Taekwon-Do?

I was always supported by everyone at Swain Taekwondo and given lots of positive, constructive feedback which has helped me immeasurably. For me, I think I’d say to ‘keep going’ – no matter how hard, technical or difficult something may seem – you have the strength to make it through, and everyone will support you through your journey.

When did you start Taekwon-Do?

Back in 2015 with my son as a way to help keep us both fit doing something together. Don’t think that it’s just for kids, it’s better for families.

What is your biggest achievement in Taekwon-Do?

Attending class each week as it means I am still dedicated and fit enough to keep going.

What is your best moment in Taekwon-Do?

I wouldn’t pick one particular moment, but would rather just highlight that there are regular little achievements that give me pleasure like helping someone learn a new pattern or sharing an idea that helped me get better at a kick or breaking one more board than I have ever managed before.

What would be your advice to someone new to Taekwon-Do?

Don’t give up. It might seem scary when you first start with a lot to learn and you might find it physically hard, but it’s a great way to keep fit both mentally and physically. If I can do it as I creep towards my sixties then anyone can and I guarantee that you will feel better for it.