Year 10 Has Taekwondo Olympic Ambition

Year 10 Dylan was frustrated when Covid denied him achieving his 3rd Dan – but he has bounced back to collect the coveted grading at the GB Taekwondo Training Centre in Manchester last month. 

Dylan was meant to do his grading in April 2020 and had trained hard to achieve it but Covid hit and he had to delay and retrain for it. 

However he recently came through the tough day-long test and now he is focusing on his 4th Dan. 

“Covid had a major impact as I had trained so hard for my 3rd Dan and then I had to retrain and get my fitness back up," he said.

“I love Taekwondo. I got into it after one of the instructors, Eddie Ellison, came into my primary school and taught us the basic kicks and then I joined Ellison’s Taekwondo. 

“I trained for six years and got my 2nd Dan then my 3rd Dan was delayed. 

“I now train with British Taekwondo, they have a club in Longton. 

“I didn’t feel any pressure during the testing as I had a feeling I was going to pass and, to be honest, it was a fun experience. 

“It’s a big relief when, at the end of the day, the instructors tell you you have passed. 

“It takes four years to train for a 4th Dan so I am going to begin that now. When you get a 4th Dan, you become a Master and can teach others. 

“My big ambition is to compete at the Olympics – I would love that!” 

Dylan trains at Kick-Kwondo in Longton and shares the love of his sport with his family – his mum and younger brother also take part in taekwondo.