In the past year Ali Asef has competed all over the World, but there is nothing quite like competing in front of your home crowd.
At just 14-years-old, the Manchester native is already making his mark in Taekwondo, and is part of a new generation helping to shape the future of the sport in his city.
This weekend, he will step onto the mat at the British International Open competing against some of the best young athletes from around the world, all just a stone’s throw from his Cheetham Hill home.
With home comforts to fall back on as the competition draws near, this weekend’s event will have an extra special feeling for the British Taekwondo Development Squad member.
“It’s great to compete in Manchester, and it’s also great to compete at a world-class event at a world-class venue where the powerhouse nations will be coming too,” he says.
Manchester is a city synonymous with sporting greatness, and it has become the spiritual home of Taekwondo in the UK after numerous high-profile events in the city over the past 15 years.
Sport pulsates through the city, with passion, pride, and performance built into the foundations. Now, athletes like Ali are helping to write a new chapter, one where Taekwondo stands tall among the city’s sporting elite.
“It’s big because Manchester is known for big sporting teams and now we’re helping develop Taekwondo as a whole in Manchester.”
Ali’s journey began seven years ago at Taekwondo Machine, where he first stepped onto the mat as a young boy full of energy and curiosity. Since then, the club has become more than just a place to train — it’s become a second home.
Behind every young athlete is someone who believes in them, and for Ali that person is his coach, Danyal Mirzaie, who has had a huge impact on the teenager’s life during his time at the club.
“I’ve been training at Taekwondo Machine since 2017, and I’ve really enjoyed it here. It’s a very inclusive club led by my coach Danyal.
“He’s helped me a lot over the past few years with international tournaments and even off the mat. He’s helped me manage my school as well and helped me be a more confident person in society.”
“It’s great to see people from all sorts of communities come together at this club and enjoy Taekwondo together.”
Ali’s achievements already speak volumes, with a bronze medal at the European Cadet Championships in Athens last year the latest accolade to add to his burgeoning collection.
Gold medals at the European Grand Prix events as well as being an incredible six-time British Taekwondo National Champion, Ali is no stranger to success. But what stands out most is his mindset ahead of this weekend’s event.
“It’s going to be a strong competition, but I’m going to be training as hard as I can. I’m grafting, I’m going to work and setting my targets.”
There’s no complacency, no shortcuts, just a relentless drive to improve.
Taekwondo Machine are based at the National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester, meaning he trains on the same mats that the likes of Caden Cunningham, Bradly Sinden and Amy Truesdale have all called home.
Being in close proximity to such greats of the sport, Ali draws inspiration from British athletes who have proven what is possible on the World stage.
“It’s inspirational to see them, to see such strong British athletes doing well in the world of Taekwondo, and I hope to follow in their footsteps.”
This weekend will be a proud one for Ali as he steps out in front of his home crowd at the National Cycling Centre. This is about community, club spirit, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
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