Taekwondo and Martial Arts were brought into the national conversation last week, with MP Tom Gordon praising the achievements of Master Kambiz R. Ali in the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Gordon, who is the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, mentioned Master Ali as one of those in his area to be recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Master Ali, who founded and runs KTA Taekwondo in Harrogate, as well as being an international Poomsae Referee, was awarded an MBE at the start of 2026 in recognition of his services to Taekwondo and the community.

The local MP went on to relay the benefits of Taekwondo and Martial Arts, before Championing the benefits of funding local sport in the community.

“I’ve had the pleasure of attending some of those Taekwondo sessions… and I was a guest at a competition held locally last year.

“Martial Arts – and Taekwondo in particular – play an important role in health, wellbeing, discipline and in providing an opportunity for young people.”

See the video above to see the whole discourse from the Houses of Parliament last week.