International Instructors

I started martial arts while in the police force representing the Coventry City Police Wrestling Team around 1965. I also trained in Judo & Aikido from 1965 to 1970. Playing Rugby Union for some years I notice an advert at a sports centre we were training at advertising Taekwon-do classes. I inquired and started training the next week under Mr Bob Edwards and his assistant Mr Clive Daffey, this was in 1985. Through regular training I achieved my ITF 1st degree in October 1988 and also in July 1989 my 1st degree from the Kukkiwon Headquarters. I trained for many years at this club in Coventry. At this time the association was expanding quickly throughout the country so Mr John Mc Donald, Mr Matt Walker and I opened two clubs in the area. Within a couple of years both clubs were very successful and we were once privileged with a visit and training session from GM Park Jung Tae in 1992. In March 1993 I successfully past my 3rd degree and 4th degree in September 1997 I took both tests under GM Park Jung Tae. Because of my age I felt it time to hand over the two clubs to our younger instructors who ran the clubs until the early 2000’s.

I along with Mr John Jackson in 2003 thought it a good idea to open a veteran club, as we were both missing teaching students. This club still operates today, and has opened its door every Friday night for the past 20 years. Over the years I have produce many black belts the oldest being Mr Ray Green at the tender age of 65 years successfully achieved his 1st degree. I was so proud as an instructor when he surprised everyone by breaking a brick with a knife hand at the test!

In competition I have entered many times, especially the destruction divisions. I have competed nationally and internationally and my greatest achievement was becoming silver medallist (hand technique) at the TAGB World Championships 1988. I have umpired nationally and internationally and my highlight accomplishment was to centre referee at the GTF World Championships USA.

I have attended many International Instructor Courses with GM Park Jung Tae and GM Oldham. The hardest course I ever attended was in Toronto, Canada. GM Park conducted the course along with numerous Masters from all over the world. The course lasted four challenging days on a solid stone floor. But the event was fantastic with meeting so many different Masters who put on a demonstration which was televised.

In October 2010 I successfully past my 5th degree test, followed by my 6th degree test in October 2019. Both tests were conducted by a Masters Board headed by GM Oldham under the banner of Unified ITF.

I would like this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me on my Taekwon-do journey, a journey that’s helped me so much in my life.