World Autism Acceptance Week 2024

Para-Poomsae Athlete Spotlight – Bradley Brockies

How has Taekwondo supported Bradley with his Autism?

The first week in April is World Autism Acceptance Week. British Taekwondo have chosen to highlight exceptional members of our community during this week of acceptance which runs from 2nd – 8th of April. 

Bradley Brockies is a 19-year-old elite Para-Poomsae Performance Taekwondo Athlete; he has represented Great Britain at World and European events across the world. Bradley has competed at the World Championships three times, winning Gold on each occasion. As well as this impressive feat, Bradley has been the British National Champion for a total of 8 years.  

Recently, Annie Rogan – Disability Development Officer at British Taekwondo and Conor Rodgers – Insight and Communications Officer, sat down with Bradley and his family to discuss his Taekwondo journey, his Autism and how Taekwondo has helped him and his family.  

Bradley cites the Karate Kid as his inspiration for beginning Taekwondo, however, he always refers to his supportive parents, engaging coaches and finding the right club for him, when talking about his previous and current successes.  

When asked what advice he would give to young people who want to get into Taekwondo, Bradley put it simply “if you can, try and give it a go, you haven’t got much to lose, but a lot to gain.” Bradley’s parents believe that Taekwondo has provided him with valuable life skills that have helped him deal with Autism in a variety of ways. Lisa and Graham believe Taekwondo has made Bradley more confident, better coordinated and much more sociable. These are all areas that Bradley struggles with, but Taekwondo has helped him tackle them and improve them in such a way which allows him to progress in the sport.  

Bradley and his family make regular reference to the fact that Taekwondo and all it encompasses has helped Bradley with his Autism. Bradley says his social skills have hugely improved since he has been taking part in Taekwondo, although he admits he still has days where he finds it difficult to engage. Confidence is an area in which Bradley’s parents say he has massively improved, they explain how the routine of going to his club, carrying out his regular tasks and exercises have all contributed to Bradley feeling more comfortable, and have in turn made him a much more confident and sociable person. Taekwondo has also helped Bradley focus his emotions into something beneficial. Bradley found the Tenets of Taekwondo useful to engage with whilst at school due to people not being understanding of his Autism. Using the Tenets of Self Control and Perseverance reminded Bradley to use his skills learnt at Taekwondo in the right way and remain true to himself by following the rules. As Bradley reflected on this moment during the interview, he was glad he used these learnings in the right way which can often be difficult for a young person to do, even more so for someone who has Autism. 

Taekwondo was the sport Bradley himself chose to participate in, his parents described team sports as a “big fat no” for Bradley when he was younger, they just were not suitable for his needs. With the idea of the Karate Kid firmly in his mind, Bradley took part in a Taekwondo session with a friend who also did Taekwondo. This support from his friend and family eased the nerves slightly and encouraged Bradley to try something new. Bradley enjoyed it so much he decided to join the club even though he found it extremely difficult to engage. After persevering for a while, it began to turn into a negative experience for Bradley, so Lisa and Graham made the decision to move Bradley from his initial club to a different one which provided an environment which was more suitable for him. The initial club had no understanding of Bradley’s Autism and could not grasp that this is a dynamic disability. This means that Bradley’s functioning is not concrete and fluctuates depending on factors such as environment, cognition, executive function, anxiety and sensory overwhelm. Autistics may be capable of a task one day, but unable to perform the same task on another day. The club were not willing to work with him on any adapted sessions to enable him to participate. Lisa mentioned the instructor told Bradley he would “never achieve anything in Taekwondo” once he left her club.  

This decision to move Bradley has led him to 3 World titles and numerous other accolades representing his country. Moving Bradley to a British Taekwondo club was a decision that Lisa and Graham are incredibly thankful for and have never looked back. Despite this previous lack of belief from coaches, Bradley has embraced his Autism by using Taekwondo as his ultimate outlet, achieving amazing accomplishments at such a youthful age, with still more to come.  

When asked what advice they would offer to other parents of an Autistic child who is thinking of trying Taekwondo, Bradley’s parents simply said, “take them” as they followed their own advice 10 years ago and have not regretted it. Lisa and Graham go on to tell us about other parents they have met whose Autistic children are now completing their Yellow Tags and have improved massively in day-to-day life as a direct result of doing Taekwondo. Lisa and Graham also mentioned how every Autistic child is unique and will have a completely different journey to Bradley, so communicating your child’s needs to the club and coach is incredibly important. They go on to say that “what one child might do, another might not, their journey through Taekwondo can be very different.” It is important that coaches and clubs understand this to ensure the individuals experience is positive and encourages them to progress at their own rate through the sport. When Bradley transitioned into a British Taekwondo club, the whole family noticed the improvement in coaching, governance and overall experience provided to them. This improved experience encouraged Lisa and Graham to become more actively involved in the sessions and were soon participating in Taekwondo too. Taekwondo has helped build an incredible bond for Bradley and his parents and has provided them with memories which will last them a lifetime. They have travelled with Bradley to Mexico, Austria, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, and London to watch and support him at competitions. These experiences have been challenging for Bradley and his parents but has offered him opportunities to travel for the sport he loves. Travelling is often overwhelming for Bradley but by having his parents to support him along the way helps him to overcome many of the anxieties travelling poses for someone with Autism.  

Bradley is growing from strength to strength in Taekwondo and intends to complete his Taekwondo Level 2 Coaching Course later this year. Bradley’s Autism has been the facilitator of an amazing journey through Taekwondo and has offered him skills and qualifications which he can use throughout his life and future career. Many people think Autism is a barrier to participation, but if you can find a sport which you are passionate about and interested in, this can encourage regular involvement in physical activity. 

At British Taekwondo we want our coaches to be inclusive and accepting of anyone who enters their club. They should encourage anybody on the Autism Spectrum to come in and enjoy the sport, improve their skills, and have an enjoyable time whilst feeling comfortable and safe. An environment where children can be like Bradley and unlock skills to become a potential World Champion or find an outlet for their energy and emotions, this is what every coach should be providing in their club. 

Bradley will next compete at the London International Open Para Poomsae Taekwondo Championships in May. 

This article has been written as part of the World Autism Acceptance Week project 2024. If you would like to more about this week, please visit The National Autistic Society website by following the link below. If you have a member with Autism and would like to know how you can support them further or have any questions about Autism, please contact Annie – disability@britishtaekwondo.org 

British Taekwondo will be posting more content for World Autism Acceptance Week across our website and social media platforms, so keep an eye out for more amazing content to celebrate Autism in Taekwondo.