Dear British Taekwondo Community,
As I reflect on my first few months as CEO of British Taekwondo, I wanted to take a moment to update you all and share my initial experiences among our clubs, coaches, volunteers, athletes, and the wider Taekwondo community.
Firstly, I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome I have received from so many of you across the country since starting in my post last December. I have been genuinely humbled by the level of engagement, the openness of conversations, and the willingness from people to share their experiences, ideas, and ambitions for Taekwondo in the UK.
What I have learned
It is impossible to spend time in this community without recognising just how committed and passionate it is.
I have seen first-hand the energy and dedication of club owners and instructors who give so much of their time to develop their students and grow the sport. There is a real drive across the community to develop, improve, and take Taekwondo forward.
Our club owners and instructors are the backbone of Taekwondo in the UK. Many of you are giving your time daily, week in, week out – often voluntarily – to create opportunities for others. That level of dedication is something we should never take for granted.
There is also a clear and collective desire to grow and develop Taekwondo. Whether that is through increasing participation, improving standards, or creating better pathways, the ambition is there across all areas of the sport.
I have also been inspired by the people within Taekwondo. The stories I’ve heard – of confidence built, challenges overcome, and lives changed – reinforce that what we do goes far beyond the mats.
Perhaps most importantly, I have seen first-hand the diversity of our community. Taekwondo in the UK brings together people of different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities.
From grassroots beginners to elite athletes, from inclusive programmes to high-performance environments, this diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It is something we should celebrate more visibly and continue to build upon.
What I have heard
Alongside all of this positivity, I have also listened carefully to where we need to improve.
A consistent message has been that we need to do more to strengthen the membership offer and ensure that it delivers clear and meaningful value. I understand that expectation, and I agree with it. Being a member of British Taekwondo, either as a club, instructor, referee or athlete should feel worthwhile and beneficial, and we need to do a better job of making that clear and of continuing to evolve what we provide.
We have already begun reviewing this area, looking at how we can enhance membership. A key to this is further improving the Sport80 system and ensuring the community are supported to maximise the use of this and working to reduce administration.
We want to also focus on improving the benefits available, improve communication, and ensure that different groups within our membership feel supported in ways that are relevant to them. This will take time, but it is an important piece of work that we are committed to progressing.
I have also heard, very clearly, the need to better support our clubs and instructors. You are the foundation of Taekwondo in this country, and without strong, supported clubs, we cannot grow.
What next?
There is more we can do to provide guidance, to communicate more effectively, and to create opportunities for development and shared learning. We are starting to look at how we can build a more structured approach to club support – one that helps clubs not only sustain themselves but also thrive among the current sporting landscape. A key focus being on how we can reduce administration burdens for clubs and club managers.
We will also be taking time to review how structures work within our technical and volunteer departments; how people are supported within them, and how we can create clearer pathways for those who want to contribute. These areas are vital to the future of the sport, and it is important that they are aligned, well-supported, and able to operate effectively.
This is about building stronger, more connected teams that are equipped to move the sport forward.
More broadly, I recognise the importance of strengthening relationships across the wider Taekwondo landscape, including with GB Taekwondo. There is a shared responsibility to support the development of the sport, and we will continue to work towards a positive and collaborative relationship that benefits athletes, coaches, and clubs.
What happens next is simple in principle, even if it takes time in practice. We will continue to listen. We will continue to engage. We will continue to involve you in shaping the direction we take. You will see more opportunities to share your views, more visibility on the work we are doing, and a continued commitment to being open about both progress and challenges.
On a personal level, I feel genuinely energised by everything I have seen and heard so far.
The conversations I have had across the community have reinforced my belief in the potential of Taekwondo in this country. I feel supported, encouraged, and motivated by the people who make up this community, and I am grateful for the honesty you have shown in sharing both your passion and your concerns.
Most importantly, I am excited. Excited about what we can achieve together, and fully committed to working with you to help Taekwondo grow and develop across the UK.
Thank you once again for your support, your honesty, and your continued belief in our Martial Art and sport.
Most importantly, I am excited about what we can achieve together, and working with you to grow and develop Taekwondo across the UK.
This is just the start of the journey, and I look forward to a bright future for British Taekwondo in the years ahead.
Kind regards,
Dave Marshall
CEO, British Taekwondo
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