Dan Grading 2025

British Taekwondo proudly celebrated an outstanding day of achievement at the National Dan Grading Event on Sunday 23rd November, applicants coming from across the UK to attend the event at the National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester.

With 26 members successfully achieving their Dan grades, the event marked a day of determination, technical excellence, and celebration across all levels, with a 100% pass rate throughout the day.

Among these successes, 18 members earned their first black belts, achieving the rank of 1st Dan and marking a major milestone in their Taekwondo journeys.

These new black belts represent years of dedication and commitment to our Martial Art, and a combination of young talent, adult learners, and practitioners of all backgrounds all demonstrated perseverance and indomitable spirit to achieve their success.

New 1st Dan Black Belts

  • Kobe Johnson – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Destiny Makonyola – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Corey Gareth Brophy – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Sophia Ye – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Emily Su – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Albert Sydney Snow – UTF Hata Budo
  • Megan Siu – UTF Hata Budo
  • Leo Siu – UTF Hata Budo
  • Joy Fraser – UTF Hata Budo
  • Kyan Patel – Hansu Taekwondo
  • Andrea Artese-Alvarez – Hansu Taekwondo
  • Luca Artese-Alvarez – Hansu Taekwondo
  • Christopher Escudero – Kixstar Dragon Taekwondo
  • Jamie Macartney – Dreadz Taekwondo
  • Ella Bowen – Oxford Brookes University Taekwondo
  • Maria Stuart – Oxford Brookes University Taekwondo
  • Tony McElveen – Chung Yong Taekwondo – Woodhead
  • Llona Kavege – Edinburgh University Taekwondo

 2nd Dans Achieved

  • Gabriella Grodzka – Dreadz Taekwondo
  • Mohammed Sadaan Buttar – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Jai Bhavnani – Hansu Taekwondo

3rd Dans Achieved

  • Insharah Buttar – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Mohammed Hamdaan Buttar – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton
  • Vladamirs Kapustins – AP Taekwondo Academy – Gorton

4th Dans Achieved

  • Kuda Gamage Sasheen Divanjana – Focus Taekwondo Aberdeen
  • Ahilan Sandirasekaram – Modokwon UK, School for Taekwondo

The National Dan Grading is one of the most significant dates in the British Taekwondo calendar, bringing together practitioners from across the UK to showcase years of practice and dedication.

From junior athletes taking their first steps into black belt status to seasoned practitioners achieving high Dan grades, the event captured the essence of the lifelong journey through Taekwondo.

The supportive spirit our community is known for emanated throughout the National Taekwondo Centre throughout the day, and we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all 26 successful candidates.

Achieving a Dan grade is a profound accomplishment, representing not just skill, but perseverance, respect, and character.

We also thank all clubs, coaches, parents, instructors, and volunteers who continue to support members on their Taekwondo journeys, with the event highlighting the strength and growth of British Taekwondo across the UK