Girls Who Kick

Name: Carly Wilson

Grade: 5th Degree

Association: TOTAL TKD

Instructor: Master Nick Symonds

When did you start training? October 2001

Education: MEng (hons) Computer Science

Hobbies: Travel, Golf, Reading

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Country Visited: Costa Rica

Describe your journey: In October 2001 I walked into a Taekwon-Do club in Southgate and never looked back. Master Nick Symonds has taken me from white belt to 5th degree and I still train at his clubs today. In 2006 I was selected to be part of the England Taekwon-Do team and that opened a new world for me. Since then I have represented England at many international tournaments winning numerous medals along the way.

In 2019 I was elected as Technical Director of ITF England and I am looking forward to running the Girls Who Kick programme alongside other initiatives to improve the diversity and engagement of practitioners in ITF England.

Name: Zorica Bowie

Grade: 5th Degree

Association: TOTAL TKD

Instructor: Master Nick Symonds

When did you start training? November 1997

Education: BA (hons) English Literature, MA in Education

Hobbies: Car mechanics, cooking, gardening, reading

Favourite Food: Anything grown in my allotment!

Favourite Country Visited: The Big Island, Hawaii

Describe your journey: It all began in the mid-90s with Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan and endless games of Tekken. My friend, Mahendra, and I sat on his sofa watching hours and hours of martial arts films together. We realised that we were both in our mid-twenties and not getting any younger, so it might be time to stop watching other people spar and go and find a martial arts club of our own to join. It took us four Friday nights of searching for Nick Symonds’ Taekwon-Do club, but we eventually found it tucked away on an industrial estate. As we lined up at the back of the class in our tracksuit bottoms and T-shirts, I saw a girl in her dobok with a black belt round her waist in the top right-hand corner of the line-up – I wanted to be her.

Over 21 years later, I am still training with (now) Master Nick Symonds. In those 21 years, I have gained more from Taekwon-Do than I can put into words, but there are some things that are easy to list: the hours of dedicated instruction from an inspirational teacher; the friendships through the years that started in the dojang; the travelling, the competitions and the medals; and the experience of being part of the national association. I now have something even more exciting to add to the list – being an Ambassador for Girls Who Kick, a programme that exists thanks to the innovation and brilliance of Carly Wilson. This journey has only just begun.

Name: Alison Longhurst

Grade: 5th Degree

Association: Oaks Martial Arts

Instructor: Mr Simon Hadlow

When did you start training? At University in 1991

Education: BA (hons) Cultural Studies, PGCE

Hobbies: In my spare time, I am currently developing a sustainable sportswear brand: Innae which means ‘perseverance’ in Korean. This sums-up my attitude to someone’s fitness journey and my journey in Taekwon-do: Power through Persistence. I also like walking my dogs

Favourite Food: I don’t have a favourite – I love food!

Favourite Country Visited: I love travelling and have been fortunate enough to go on two trips around the world, one for 10 months with my children. I love Asia, especially Cambodia and Vietnam

Describe your journey: My Taekwon-do journey started at Sheffield Hallam University in 1991, where I trained with Master Graham Churchill, TAGB. I was hooked from my first lesson and have never looked back. I first competed for England in Slovenia at the European Championships in 1997 and later the same year I became a World Champion in St Petersburg, where the female team took gold in Power. I went on to compete at the European Championships in Greece, where the Female Team got a Bronze medal. After having a break, during which time I had three babies, I returned to represent my country at the World Championships in Poland, getting a Bronze Team medal. I had my fourth baby in 2004 and represented England in the years 2009-2014, during which time I won many medals and also became an England coach. I have five daughters who are all black belts in Taekwon-do and one has competed for England. One of my daughters plays football for Wales. I am passionate about women and girls in sport and am honoured to be a part of this brilliant programme: Girls Who Kick.

Name: Izzy Brider

Grade: 3rd Degree

Association: ETA

Instructor: Master Tom Denis

When did you start training? September 2003

Education: Studying Sports Psychology at Brunel University London

Hobbies: Photography, reading, watching sports, travelling

Favourite Food: Mac ‘n’ cheese or Ramen

Favourite Country Visited: Australia

Describe your journey: I first started Taekwon-do when I was nearly 6 years old. My first instructors Mrs Tracey Croke and Mrs Helen Cleary arranged a demonstration at my Primary School and from then I was hooked.

It was not long before I started entering competitions although for many years I only competed in patterns as I didn’t enjoy sparring. In 2013 Master Philip Lear suggested that I should try sparring at the ITF England elections. Growing in confidence, my first individual international medal, a bronze, was won in sparring (to my and everyone else’s surprise!) at the ITF World Championships 2013 in Benidorm Spain.

It wasn’t until my last year as a junior that I really excelled in International Competitions. That year, 2015, I won a Gold medal in patterns at the ITF World Championships in Italy followed by a Gold medal in patterns, a Silver medal in sparring (-50kg) and the award for best overall junior female competitor at the AETF European Championships in Scotland.

Since I started competing as a senior in 2016 I have won Gold medals in patterns at the ITF World Cup in Hungary and at the AETF European Cups in Poland and Romania. I have won Gold medals in sparring at the AETF European Championships in Slovenia, at the ITF World Cup in Australia and the AETF European Cup in Romania. I was also joint best overall senior black belt competitor at the ITF World Cup in Hungary and the best overall senior competitor in the AETF European Cup in Romania. I am so thankful for the friendships that I have formed over the years with people from all over the world and Taekwon-do is the thing that has brought us all together.

I cannot wait to meet so many more people from Girls Who Kick – I am honoured to be an ambassador!

Name: Romy Mottershead

Grade: 2nd Degree

Association: T-UK

Instructor: Mr Philip Mottershead

When did you start training? In 2002, aged 4

Education: Currently studying for BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice degree

Hobbies: Travel, socialising with friends and shopping

Favourite Food: PIZZA, bacon, cake… real athlete food

Favourite Country Visited: I am planning to travel after finishing my degree, but so far I would have to say my favourite places would be New Zealand or Las Vegas; both complete opposite in terms of culture and lifestyle but equally eye opening.

Describe your journey: I started Taekwon-do in 2002 following in my brother’s footsteps, shortly after it became a family experience after my dad joined it. Initially it was a hobby to build my confidence and over the years, I developed a real passion for the art. Following successes from national competitions, I decided to try out for the National team. In 2013, I represented England in Sweden at the European Championships for the first time. 2 years later, I became vice world champion in -60kg sparring, in Italy. However, more recently in the European Championships in Slovenia, after moving up to senior competition, I managed to attain a bronze medal in the -68kg sparring division. Currently I am preparing for the World Championship in Germany this year with the hope of success in the near future. With a lot of focus on men in the sport, I am grateful for the opportunity to help shift focus towards the capabilities of women and girls in the sport.

Name: Patricia Gray

Grade: 5th Degree

Association: TAE (Taekwon-Do Association of England)

Instructor: My current instructor is Master Paul Cook, VII (although I’m fortunate to have Master Anthony McKenna, VII and Mr. Brett Stronach, VI in TAE to train with as well).

When did you start training? 1986

Education: PhD

Hobbies: Horse riding and ice skating when I have time.

Favourite Food: Lychees

Favourite Country Visited: Scotland

Describe your journey: I joined a gym and one of the new fitness instructors advertised a new class he was putting on. I’d never heard of Taekwon-Do but thought I’d give it a try. That was in 1986 and apart from a couple of breaks to have my children, I’ve been doing Taekwon-Do ever since, first as a student and then as an Instructor (although in Taekwon-Do, you never stop learning, so I’m obviously still a student!). I’ve made some very good friends, been lucky enough to meet and train with some amazing people (including General Choi himself) and learned such a lot from Taekwon-Do. All journeys have their ups and downs but Taekwon-Do has been a constant in my life for over 30 years now and I still feel I have a long way to go.

Name: Jo Brown

Grade: 4th Degree

Association: TAE

Instructor: Master Anthony McKenna

Job: Doctor

Describe your journey: I started training in Taekwon-Do in 2000, during that time I’ve had the privilege to train with some inspirational people and been fortunate to achieve my fourth degree black belt with the support of Master Mckenna and our associations black belts.

I believe Taekwon-do provides qualities and skills which are transferable to all aspects of life both personally and professionally. I look forward to promoting this further with 'Girls Who Kick' to encourage female members to develop and achieve their potential.

Name: Chanelle Kelly

Grade: 2nd Degree

Association: TOTAL TKD

Instructor: Master Nick Symonds

Job: Taekon-Do Instructor

Describe your journey: I began training in Taekwon-Do in 2002 when I was aged 12. My dad had encouraged me to try it out as he had a real passion for Taekwon-Do so I thought I would give it a try. I enjoyed training so much that I continued and have been training ever since, 17 years later, still under the instruction of Master Symonds. My initial goal was to achieve my Black Belt, which I accomplished when I was 18 years old in 2008.

In October 2013 I became an Instructor and opened up my first Taekwon-Do School. I started off with 30 students of Pre-School age. I had experience working with children as I was also a Pre-School manager at the time so I used this knowledge in helping to teach children Taekwon-Do.

Nearly 6 years on and I teach Taekwon-Do full time, with 16 classes per week. Growing from 30 students to over 200. My passion is teaching and helping children achieve their goals within Taekwon-Do.

Name: Rhianna Dowdeswell

Grade: 2nd Degree

Association: TOTAL TKD

Instructor: Mr Stuart Chapman

Job: Legal Counsel

Describe your journey: I started Taekwon-Do when I was 16 with Mr Paul Adams 6th Dan, at his original school in Denham - right round the corner from my house. I wanted to try something new and loved it straight away. I competed in several competitions and although I initially didn't like sparring, I won gold in both blue belt sparring and patterns at the London Open Championships in 2008, which really boosted my confidence.

I took my training to a new level at university, training between 3 and 5 times per week with the Oxford University team with the now Grandmaster Gary Miller 9th Dan, and passing my black belt grading in 2010. I became President of the club and scored the highest points difference of any competitor in the 2011 and 2012 Varsity matches.

I started at Kentish Town TKD in 2013 when I moved to London to start work. In 2015 I moved to Singapore, and wasn't close to any ITF clubs there, so I tried out Thai Kickboxing - it was fun but definitely wasn't the same for me! Going back to training with Mr Chapman, I achieved my 2nd Dan black belt in April 2017, and in 2019 became an assistant instructor at Kentish Town. I am hoping to pre-grade for my 3rd Dan this year and am looking forward to taking part in the Girls Who Kick programme.

Name: Nicola Dolman

Grade: 2nd Degree

Association: TAE

Instructor: Mr Stronach

Describe your journey: I've done martial arts in various disciplines for more than 20 years, starting on a year out in Detroit, USA and continuing as I moved around the UK for university and work - Leeds, London, Cambridge and now Newcastle. Wherever I've moved to I keep coming back to martial arts because I love it, although I wish I'd started earlier. I have been the only woman in a class and know how the environment can sometimes be challenging and it takes confidence to start, so I'm keen to show girls that it is something they can do and enjoy and excel at.

Name: Holly Henwood

Grade: 1st Degree

Association: TAE

Instructor: Mr Brett Dowling

Describe your journey: I train at Devon Martial Arts with my amazing instructor Mr Brett Dowling IV. I have been training for roughly 9 years now and I have enjoyed every single bit of it. Also, I like to compete at competitions because it’s a great way to challenge and test myself. It’s an honour to be a Girls Who Kick Regional Representative and I can’t wait to help promote Taekwon-Do.

Name: Jayne Heywood

Grade: 3rd Degree

Association: T-UK

Instructor: Master Ian Ridley

Describe your journey: I started Taekwon-Do back in 2003 with two friends as a way for us to get some exercise, learn something new and spend time together. On joining I found a girl I had known in school but hadn't seen since was also there and Miss Naomi Pearson was to eventually become my Instructor when our previous Instructor passed the club on to her.

As time went on the friends I joined with fell by the wayside but I was hooked. I liked the feeling of confidence I gained from being able to look after myself and loved the challenge of learning new patterns and improving my skills.

I started helping with classes and eventually when Miss Pearson needed to step down she passed the club on to me. I love teaching people and get so much satisfaction from seeing my students improve and achieve things. I’ve tried to create a family atmosphere within my club where we support each other and celebrate together, whether it’s achievements within Taekwon-Do or in other areas of our lives.

I've met so many great people through my Taekwon-Do journey so far and I'm really excited to be involved with Girls Who Kick and meet a lot more.

Name: Vicky Daniels

Grade: 4th Degree

Association: Oaks Martial Arts

Instructor: Mr and Mrs Hadlow

Describe your journey: As a kid, I loved The Karate Kid - I was about 7 or 8 when it came out - so I swapped ballet for Karate, getting my black belt at 12, but giving up shortly after. As a teen and into my early twenties, due to personal trauma, I turned to self harming and getting into trouble, mixing with the wrong crowd. I spent a good ten years in and out of psychiatric wards and police stations.

I woke one day and decided it had to change. I rarely left the house, but my support worker and I saw a poster advertising Taekwon-Do and it sparked a conversation about how I loved martial arts. The following week, he had booked me a trial. I was petrified, but he came with me for the next 6 months - by which time I was hooked. My new found confidence led me to getting my first job at 26, learning to drive and realising I didn't need a support worker anymore.

I entered my first competition in 1999, winning 4 golds. Three years later, I got my black belt and was selected for the England team in 2004. From 2004 -2009 I travelled widely, winning international medals along the way. I gained my 4th degree under my Taekwon-Do inspiration, Mrs Lisa Pitman in 2018.

In 2009, I met my husband and we have an 8 year old son. I had a few years of not really having a club to go to, so Taekwon-do was on the back burner until Mr Hadlow opened a kids' class near my home, and my son joined. I have been assisting at Oaks for four years, and I run two schools on my own for them. They have been an amazing support. I can truly say that Taekwon-Do saved my life, and continues to do so. I'm really pleased to be involved in the Girls Who Kick programme, spreading our wonderful our martial art and inspiring other females to get out there and kick!