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A Grandmasters Journey

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:27:56 GMT

My Pursuit of 8th Dan

For the past several months, my life has been shaped by discipline, repetition, and resolve. Long nights stretched into early mornings as I pored over the 8th Dan syllabus—physically demanding, yes, but even more so mentally.

The training pushed me beyond muscle and memory into the realm where true mastery resides: endurance of the mind.

On Monday, 17 November, I left the United Kingdom behind, boarding a long-range flight via Istanbul bound for Seoul. By the time I arrived on Tuesday evening, fatigue clung to me like a second skin, but the purpose of my journey burned brighter than any weariness. Despite only a few hours of rest, Wednesday morning brought me to the World Chungdokwan Headquarters for three hours of intensive training with Grandmaster Byeonghyun Shin. The session was exacting yet invigorating, a final sharpening of the blade before the true test. An early night followed—sleep at last.

Thursday: Grading Day This was the culmination of more than forty years of training, distilled into six formidable hours. Was I nervous? Hell yes. Did I doubt myself? On occasion. Did I make the right decision? Absolutely.

After registering at 9 a.m., we candidates began four hours of instruction under elite Kukkiwon masters. My instructor—himself a four-time World Poomsae Champion and a 9th Dan—led us through the required elements for 8th Dan: - Advanced basic movements - Hansoo - Cheonkwon - Jitae - Sipjin Before testing, we were greeted by the newly appointed Kukkiwon President—an honour and a reminder of the weight of the moment.

As candidate 808, I was the eighth of sixteen testing for 8th Dan. The number echoed in my mind as I stepped forward. My mouth was dry; nerves surged; yet decades of experience steadied me. The evaluation began with basic movements, followed by a randomly assigned poomsae. Fate dealt me Cheonkwon, arguably the most challenging of the selection. In a brief lapse, I missed a kihap at a critical moment—yet my technique remained crisp, measured, and confident, and the oversight proved not to be costly. Next came the designated poomsae, Hansoo, which I executed with precision and strength, every movement an embodiment of knowledge earned over a lifetime. By the end, the mental toll was immense—but so too was the reward.

At sixty-seven years old, I had stood among the best, proving that age is neither barrier nor excuse. It is simply a number. ⸻

Gratitude and Reflection I did not walk this path alone.

My black belts, ever inspiring in their dedication; my instructors, especially Grandmaster Shin, who pushed me to refine even the smallest detail; and above all, my wife and family—steadfast companions through more than forty years of training—stood with me in spirit on that testing floor. Now comes the waiting, with official results expected in December.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Now the work continues with a 9 year wait for the chance to grade again for the ultimate Taekwondo rank kukkiwon 9th Dan, as always still so much to do and learn and just a short time for reflection and WE GO AGAIN

GM Hudson

Why I Stepped Onto the Mat

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:57:05 GMT

Forty years ago, I was just a dad on the sidelines, watching my youngest son train in a local Taekwondo class.

Week after week, I saw him grow in confidence, discipline, and skill. After six months of sitting and spectating, I had a quiet word with myself: “Hudson, get off your arse and give it a go.”

That decision changed the course of my life.

What began as a supportive gesture turned into a lifelong passion. I started training, earned my Dan grade, and soon opened my own club. From there, the journey accelerated in ways I never imagined.

I became an international instructor, examiner, and judge—roles that have taken me across the globe and deep into the heart of Taekwondo’s philosophy and community.

I’ve had the honour of receiving letters of commendation for my contribution to the development and dissemination of Taekwondo worldwide.

Those acknowledgements mean a great deal, but it’s the people I’ve met and the students I’ve taught that truly define my legacy.

Because for me, the greatest experience has always been helping others reach their highest potential. Watching students grow from nervous beginners to confident black belts, instructors, and leaders—that’s the real reward.

Taekwondo has given me a life rich in purpose, connection, and global friendship.

And it all started with a simple decision: to give it a try

GM Hudson

One Taekwondo, One World

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:29:59 GMT

Looking Ahead: The 2025 World Peace Taekwondo Championships

This summer, the global Taekwondo community will gather for a truly momentous occasion: the 2025 UNA of the Republic of Korea World Peace Taekwondo Championships, set to take place on July 13th at the legendary Kukkiwon in Seoul. As the head of Inspire Taekwondo, I’m thrilled to share my anticipation for what promises to be a powerful celebration of unity, discipline, and global citizenship.

One Taekwondo, One World

The theme of this year’s event—“One Taekwondo, One World”—couldn’t be more fitting. With participants from over 30 countries expected to attend, the Championships will serve as a living testament to the unifying power of our martial art. In a world often divided by borders and beliefs, Taekwondo continues to bring people together through shared values of respect, perseverance, and peace.

Kukkiwon: A Sacred Stage

There’s no more symbolic venue than Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters and spiritual home of our art. It’s where tradition meets innovation, and where generations of martial artists have honed their craft. To compete—or even simply to stand—on that stage is to connect with the very soul of Taekwondo.

More Than a Tournament

While the Championships will undoubtedly showcase world-class talent and fierce competition, the heart of the event lies in its message: peace through martial discipline. This isn’t just about medals or rankings. It’s about forging friendships across cultures, sharing knowledge, and reaffirming our commitment to being positive forces in our communities.

A Message to Our Inspire Family

To all our students and families at Inspire Taekwondo: this event is a reminder that you are part of something much larger than yourselves. Every time you bow, every time you train, you’re contributing to a global movement rooted in respect and resilience. Whether you’re a white belt just starting your journey or a seasoned black belt preparing for your next challenge, you are helping to shape a more peaceful world

I’ll be following the Championships closely and sharing updates as they unfold. Let’s celebrate this incredible moment together—and carry its spirit into everything we do.

Ireland Taekwondo OPen

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:05:47 GMT

ireland Taekwondo Open Set for Nenagh College, October 11th

Get ready for a day of focused competition and skilled performances at the Ireland Taekwondo Open, scheduled to take place at Nenagh College, Tipperary, on Saturday, October 11th, 2025

This event will feature both patterns (Poomsae) and sparring (Kyorugi) offering participants the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in both aspects of Taekwondo.

More details to follow soon

World Peace Taekwondo Championship

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:45:31 GMT

humbled and honored

I am Incredibly humbled and honored to be invited to the Welcoming Banquet for the UN Korea Association World Peace Taekwondo Championship in Seoul!

What an amazing opportunity to be part of a global event promoting peace through martial arts.

See you in Seoul on July 12th!

BTC Taekwondo Championships

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:22:54 GMT

Absolutely sensational performance by Inspire Taekwondo, Skelmersdale, at the BTC Taekwondo Championships held at the University of Worcester this June 2025!

Our incredible athletes from Skelmersdale truly shone, demonstrating phenomenal skill, unwavering determination, and the spirit of true martial artists. Showcasing powerful patterns, Inspire Taekwondo competitors left their mark, securing an impressive haul of medals and showcasing the culmination of their dedication and hard work. The team walked away as overall WT/KUKKIWON winners!

A massive congratulations to every single student who competed, and to the dedicated instructors at Inspire Taekwondo who continue to inspire and elevate their students to achieve greatness. Your commitment to excellence is truly paying off!

This success at a national level championship like the BTCs at Worcester is a testament to the thriving talent and exceptional coaching within the Inspire Taekwondo family.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you!

Blackpool Open UKTDC

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:59:29 GMT

This is your opportunity to

train with the best

The event is very competitively priced and following 2 years of restrictions, and in the current financial climate it is now time to reinvigorate the Taekwondo community with this high class seminar.

The presenters hold 7/7/8 Dan certification with Kukkiwon and 8/9/9 Dan with World Chungdokwan and between them have over 110 years of collective Taekwondo knowledge, definitely not to be missed

Contact Master Gary today for more details →

Referee Course

peterjt@rocketmail.com (peter thompson) — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 11:38:10 GMT

learn what it takes to be a world class taekwondo referee at this unique training event

Join International Referee Chris Codling and learn the skills you will need to be a top-level referee.

WHEN - 31st July.

TIME - 2pm - 6pm

VENUE - Inspire HQ, Skelmersdale ( Map )

COST - £25pp

This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the very best referee's in world Taekwondo and is open to everyone, no matter what grade.

Places will be limited, so please don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best

This course is organised by Consult Taekwondo and hosted by Inspire Taekwondo

Book your place on the Consult Taekwondo website today

Get in touch with us today to learn more about the course and to have any of your questions answered. Contact Us →