The British Taekwondo International open returned to the National Cycling centre in Manchester over the weekend. 

The weekend welcomed young taekwondo athletes to compete in the G1 division, giving young and emerging athletes the chance to climb up the ranks. Coaches present at the event emphasised that early exposure and support in the competitive environment can accelerate progression. 

For many, the event marked an early opportunity for youths to enter a pathway that could lead to elite competition and follow in the footsteps of athletes who have gone to represent their country on the world stage.

Athletes as young as 14 took to the stage in Manchester to demonstrate their technical ability in a professional environment. Additionally, the event gave youths the platform to illustrate how the sport has become a way to manage discipline at a young age.  

Olympic Silver Taekwondo medallist, Cayden Cunningham said: “The discipline and patience you learn- that stays with you no matter what you go on to do. 

““Even if I hadn’t gone on the Olympic journey, the skills I learned would’ve carried me into other parts of life” 

With children getting into martial arts as young as 6 and 7, events like this provide a clear pathway from grassroots participation to international competition. 

Early introduction to the sport is supported by local clubs and programmes in schools. These plays a key role in engagement and maintaining participation at a young age. Not only does this exposure build ability but also self-belief. 

Sirota’s Alchymy, a martial arts and life skills centre said: “Taekwondo offers a holistic approach to personal development for teenagers, because our helps with fitness, confidence, focus and discipline”

The centre supports the idea that Taekwondo clubs are going far beyond developing young athletes. They position themselves as a tool to shape discipline and structure outside of the school setting. 

The statistics indicate the popularity of Taekwondo amongst the younger generation. Consistent rise in participation for under 18s is a result of greater accessibility such as an increase in local clubs in addition to the affordability of sessions. 

Cunningham added: “It’s such a diverse sport—every culture is involved, and it’s something everyone can access.

“When I started it, it was just £2 a session at my school— cost wise, it was amazing for me” 

When structural supports as such are in place, participation figures are seen to grow and influence young people to continue the sport into adulthood. 

While figures provide a visual as to the popularity for children, they don’t necessarily provide an explanation as to why it is a leading sport for the age group to be involved in. 

It is becoming increasingly more common for young people to be encouraged into Taekwondo for discipline and a strategy for aggression. 

Unlike other sports, Taekwondo offers structure, individual pathway and a clear measure of improvement and ability through ranking. Short term goals and long-term motivations contribute to the appeal for young people.

Cunningham agreed: “I had a bit of a temper and a lot of energy as a kid, so it gave me an outlet and helped me discipline myself, it helped me focus on school, not get as distracted, and gave me an outlet for how I felt as a kid” 

For parents, the sport is viewed more than just a physical activity. Children are urged into the sport for confidence, focus and self-control, skills that are not centrally taught in school. 

Cunningham said: “I’d love to see taekwondo back in more schools—not just the sport, but the discipline and values that come with it”

The challenge now lies in maintaining the growth of the sport for young people. Securing opportunities and maintaining accessibility remains important to allow a string of generations to fulfil their potential.  

As the sport continues to grow, ensuring opportunities are limited by geography or finance will see a brighter future for the sport. Events like this remain as a crucial stepping stone for young people who are striving for international success. 

Cunningham vouched: “I hope it continues to grow globally but also help kids through different situations and challenges” 

The return of the British Taekwondo International Open to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester not only demonstrated emerging talent but underlined the growing talent within the sport. With accessibility improving and participation on the rise, the route from local clubs to international competition is becoming more visible than ever.