“It reminds me to put more focus on the pupils’ perspective, what they like, how quickly they can and want to progress.”

Anna Korzeniowska from York All Stars Community Club

Anna stepped into the role of assistant instructor officially in April 2022 after the loss of an instructor left the club with a gap in both sport expertise and leadership. Having participated herself for many years, with Head Coach Lee’s support, Anna relished the opportunity to transition from ‘just another senior belt’ to instructor.

“I started practicing Taekwondo fairly late, in my adulthood, as a way to connect with my son. We progressed together, we motivated each other, we got our black belts at the same time. But I think I needed a bit more theory behind what I was doing, so started educating myself on the subject: reading books, watching videos, joining seminars, etc. I think I naturally lean towards sharing my knowledge with others so over time I got more and more involved with instructing the classes.” Said Anna

This drive for learning and self development continued with Anna completing her Level 2 Coaching qualification at the end of 2024.

“I wanted to make sure I am meeting the standard of coaching and instructing expected of a British Taekwondo instructor, but I was also fully aware that it would become compulsory for all coaches very soon.”

“The whole course was quite interesting and useful, both in terms of the sport side of things but also learning about the admin involved in running the club, health and safety etc. it covers all the practicalities of running a healthy taekwondo club. We now have enough qualified instructors that we don’t need to cancel a classes due to illness or holidays, which keeps everything running smoothly.”

However, it was the student centred content which Anna found the most beneficial, helping her to enhance her personal coaching style and skills.

“I liked the great focus on the student and their wellbeing. It reminds me to put more focus on the pupils’ perspective, what they like, how quickly they can and want to progress.”

She continues, “We are a very relaxed club so whilst we do encourage our pupils to try competing, there is no great push to get trophies. We aim to support them whatever their path is, and whatever their strengths.”

With the course divided between e-learning and online tutorial sessions, Anna was able to study for the Level 2 Award at weekends around her other commitments, and also around an injury she acquired which made the practical part of the course difficult to complete until she had recovered.

“I enjoyed the self-paced online modules and I think the instructor-led sessions were quite amazing and very, very helpful in organising the knowledge and providing guidance on what is expected of me having completed the course.”

Anna’s says to other instructors,

“The Level 2 qualification takes some time and effort but it is not very difficult. It can be completed quite quickly and works around the normal everyday commitments. It is great fun and good chunk of very useful knowledge. Go for it!”

To learn more about the Level 2 Coaching Awards in Taekwondo visit here