Growing up as a black woman in Hackney in the 60s, Joy Fraser has lived her life determined not to be limited by the racism and sexism that she faced, and last November that same determination took her into the Taekwondo environment.
Having moved from Jamaica to the English capital as a child, Joy has called the East End of London home for over 60 years, and has seen the place she grew up in change dramatically through that time.
From playing on the streets amid evidence of war-torn landscapes and pre-fab houses, to the modern day district that has become one of the most vibrant and characterful in the UK, Joy has been there to see the whole transformation. So much change, and yet so many things still familiar.
Half a Century ago, roadblocks and restrictions were part of everyday life for people like Joy. As young men and women, her parents’ generation were invited to the “motherland” to help to rebuild Britain, and that same Britain doing its best to prevent them from enjoying what they had worked so hard for. Such experiences leave those affected even more determined to succeed regardless of the roadblocks and restrictions, just as she has done ever since.
It is that kind of determination that led her to travel to the National Taekwondo Centre last November to take part in the National Dan Grading, where she achieved black belt status being past retirement age.
Her success was the result of her dedication to the Martial Art – which she took up again about 9 years ago, after doing Karate in her younger years – and marks the latest achievement in a life that continues to redefine prejudices.
“I’m quite proud to have reached this age in relative good health, but the reason I don’t like to tell people my age is because as soon as you tell people your age they put you in a box,” she told British Taekwondo.
“I’m a black woman brought up in a white society, and all the way through my life a repeated motto has been: ‘just watch me!’, because of the restrictions society has tried to put me.
“It is an underlying theme of my life, sometimes on a conscious level, other times subconscious, but when I need to I think: ‘you watch me… you say I can’t, but you just watch me’. That’s how I’ve lived my life.
“God is the centre of my life, and it is my belief in Him that has kept me grounded throughout my life. My faith is not smooth or linear, there are many ups and downs. However, at the base, since the age of 16, has been, and always will be, my Faith.
“My age is relevant, but not in the way that people like to put you on a certain shelf or in a certain box because of it. There are certain things you might have to think about as you get older – especially when you get to my age – but it doesn’t stop you.”
Arriving at the home of GB Taekwondo last November, Joy came to Manchester fully focused on achieving her goal; a Dan Grading is the pinnacle for the Taekwondo practitioner, and the chance to be awarded that coveted black belt was on the line.
From her first session back in the dojang about 10 years ago (at one point joined by her three-year-old goddaughter) to taking centre stage in front of a panel of 8th and 9th Dan British Taekwondo members ready to judge her every move, Joy had prepared for this day, and was ready to give everything she had to earn her black belt.
“It was an occasion, it was an experience, I was a bit nervous, but I was actually looking forward to it,” she told British Taekwondo after the event.
“I was focused, because my mind wasn’t wandering all over the place and thinking of all different things. I was just focused on making sure that I was getting through each stage as best I could.
“I was in a little bit of a stupor after it happened, because I did it and everyone was kind of congratulating me, then it dawned on me.
“You’re getting presented with a certificate and you’re getting your black belt. It’s a little bit unreal, but I’ve actually done it.
“I’ve actually achieved it. And here is the proof of it. So that’s the culmination of that. So to get it at the end of the day, it really was nice to see the proof that this is my achievement and I’ve done it.”
For Joy, the achievement was about more than a certificate and a new colour belt to wrap around her dobok. It was the culmination of determination, with help from those who have helped her reach the point she is at today. For Karen Wong and Jamie Silver at UTF Hata Budo, and for another figure who helped her to find her feet in the dojang when she started her journey.
Maurice Tata Mwana-Tambwe was a popular figure in the London Taekwondo scene when Joy initially got into the Martial Art, with current Lead Instructor Karen also among those to learn under his tutelage during his time as a coach.
Plenty more students were inspired by his sessions over the years, with his passing in 2020 mourned by the Taekwondo community. A quick search online provides footage of a two-hour homage after his passing, highlighting his selflessness and passion for life:
“He was an amazing man and his major thing was to teach children and to help children achieve that level. Not just to get their belts, but everything that Taekwondo had to teach them, the five tenets.
“He wanted that to be instilled in the children and for them to take that into and through life. He was dedicated to children. He really was.”
With the memory of Maurice with her in Manchester, each move had even more emotion attached to it. This wasn’t just about attaining a personal accolade, it was about paying tribute to a man who dedicated his life to Taekwondo so others could flourish.
“It was after Maurice died that I went back to take it up again. I wanted to continue, but I also wanted to attain the black belt in his memory.
“It was for myself, but it was also for him because he’d always wanted me to progress through to get my black belt, so it’s in his memory and also for myself. So it’s a double achievement for me.”
All it takes is that spark, that moment, where you choose to jump into a new adventure. Joy is proof that incorporating Taekwondo into your life can help keep you fit and healthy, as well as the numerous social benefits that comes with regular training sessions.
Whether she is in the dojang on a Saturday, heading out on her regular walks, or climbing glaciers in Iceland with her nonagenarian mother – as they did on a 2024 holiday – Joy is adamant she wants to make the most out of life, with an attitude towards the everyday that is more than a little contagious.
As for the Martial Art, she is seriously thinking of aiming for a Second Dan, with the Hackney local keen to prove that anyone can come into a Taekwondo club and feel at home.
“It’s very much part of my life, and I want to progress,” she continued. “I really enjoy doing Taekwondo.
“Taekwondo is for anybody at any age at any stage, if you try it you will find that it adds to your life. I would say to anybody try it, just go along and find somewhere that you feel comfortable.
“If you don’t try you won’t know, whatever age you are… two-year-old, a 15-year-old, 55-year-old, 70-year-old, it doesn’t matter. It’s about what you want to get from it that will determine whether you continue with it.
“It’s for anybody at any age at any stage of your life so just give it a go!”
Joy is proof that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. Age is but a number when you have the drive to persevere and continue towards your goals. British Taekwondo clubs offer more than just regular activity for all ages, but a welcoming community where connections are created, friendships are formed, and memories are made.
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