Taekwondo’s role as a form of education – not simply a competitive sport – was the focus of a visit by Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE to Dongbang Culture University in Seoul.
The British Taekwondo International Poomsae Referee met Ko Jeong-hun, Dean of Academic Affairs, for a wide-ranging conversation about the values learned through martial arts and how they can support education, personal development and international understanding.
The meeting came shortly after Master Ramzan Ali completed his duties at the Chuncheon 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, where he represented Great Britain as one of the selected international referees.
Moving from the World Championships competition floor into a university classroom offered a different perspective on Taekwondo. The discussion considered how the discipline, respect and responsibility developed through training can benefit students long after they leave the dojang.
Master Ramzan Ali also presented Dean Ko with Letters of Commendation from Councillor Viv Poskitt, Mayor of Harrogate, and Tom Gordon MP, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
The letters recognised Dean Ko’s contribution to education, international friendship and cultural exchange between South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Master Ramzan Ali said: “People often see Taekwondo through competitions, medals and demonstrations, but its real influence goes much further.
“The lessons we learn in the dojang; respecting others, working hard and taking responsibility—are also important in education and everyday life.
“Bringing these letters from Harrogate to Dongbang Culture University was a meaningful way to recognise Dean Ko’s work and begin a conversation about what our students and communities can learn from one another.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to consider how links between educational institutions and Taekwondo communities could encourage future exchanges involving Harrogate, the wider United Kingdom, Europe and South Korea.
As a member of the European Taekwondo Union Culture and Heritage Committee, Master Ramzan Ali spoke about the importance of sharing Taekwondo’s history and Korean cultural roots alongside its modern sporting development.
For British Taekwondo, the visit showed another side of international participation. Representing Great Britain abroad is not limited to officiating at major championships; it can also create opportunities for conversations, recognition and relationships that continue after the final match has finished.
Master Ramzan Ali left Dongbang Culture University with a simple message from the meeting: Taekwondo begins with physical training, but its greatest legacy may be the character and understanding it helps to build.
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