Lead Instructor Master Colin Larkin
I started my career in martial arts at school where I took up Judo and achieved 3rd Kyu green belt.
1973 was the boom for martial arts when the legendary Bruce Lee came onto the scene in his Kung Fu movies, he opened the world to a new martial art which I just had to try, unfortunately there being no club/dojo’s in my area apart from a Taekwondo club a Korean martial art, which was the closest I could find to the style Bruce Lee was performing or demonstrating.
So I started at a local Taekwondo club in February 1974 until 1979 achieving 1st Kup Red belt Black tag.
1976 Kent Kyorugi sparring Championships awarded 2nd place Silver medal.
1977 National UK British Taekwondo Kyorugi sparring Championships awarded 1st place National Champion Gold medal.
Due to family commitments I gave up my training until December 2006 when I then studied Kendo & Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship) achieving 1st Kyu level.
My love for the martial arts has been a huge part of my life, Finally I returned to Taekwondo in 2014 and achieved my 1st Dan in October 2015; after which I qualified as an instructor registered with British Taekwondo, the national governing body in the UK, and have since gained many other qualifications.
Current Qualifications & Certificates:
- 4th DAN black belt,
- DBS checked Registered & Insured Instructor,
- 1st 4sport level 2 Sports Coach,
- National GB Poomsae elite squad athlete,
- National Poomsae competition judge,
- UK coaching Safeguarding & Protection of Children,
- Educare Safeguarding in sport level 2,
- 1st Aid QA level 3.
I set myself a personal challenge to compete again at the National Kyorugi UK British Taekwondo Championships in 2017
and took 2nd place Silver medal in the veterans class.
July 7th 2019 I competed in the 1st Kinder Scout Open Poomsae Championships and took 3rd place Bronze medal in the under 65 individual category.
October 6th 2019 2nd Manchester Open Poomsae Championships, 2nd place Silver medal in the under 65 individual category.
November 30th Dec 1st 2019 British Taekwondo National Poomsae Championships, 3rd place Bronze medal in the under 65 individual category
March 8th 2020 Harrogate 4th Mayor Cup Open Poomsae Championships, 2nd place Silver medal in the under 65 individual category.
July 3rd – 5th 2020 Virtual Range open Poomsae & Para Poomsae Championships, open world event 3rd place Bronze medal under 65 individual category.
November 27th – 28th 2021 British National Poomsae Championships, 2nd place silver medal in the under 65 individual category
January 7th 2021 Selected for GB National Poomsae Team, May 2021 National squad ranking event 1st place – ranked UK number 1 in the under 65 category.
August 2021 World Taekwondo Poomsae online Challenge lll, representing GB semi finals 9th place.
March 2022 Muju World online Poomsae Challenge l, representing GB Taekwondo. Finals 7th place.
October 14th – 15th 2023 British National Poomsae Championships, 3rd place Bronze medal in the under 70 individual male category.
December 3rd 2023 4th KTA world online open Poomsae championship, 2nd place Silver medal under 70 individual male category.
I have since competed in many Regional, European and World poomsae championships with reasonable success and a medal toll of 6 Gold, 10 Silver and 5 Bronze so far, I intend to keep competing for as long as I am able.
2024 Currently in the GB Taekwondo National Elite squad where I can represent my country in major world championships.
My aim is to pass on the knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years to new student’s, helping them to achieve their own personal goals whether it is as an instructor or a competitor or just a healthier fit lifestyle.
The limitations of success or achievement are only that which YOU believe YOU are capable of.
Set your goals and believe in yourself and you will succeed.
Assistant Instructor ‘Kyosa Nim’
Master Jack Faulkner
I started my career in martial arts 7 years ago in 2016, and was the first student to join Fighting Spirit Taekwondo.
Since then I have studied under Master Colin Larkin who has not only been a great teacher but a key role model in my formative years.
Throughout my journey I have participated in multiple seminars and National sparring competitions spanning the country, achieving my Black Belt 2 years ago in January 2021. After years of study I am now officially a registered WT Taekwondo instructor and have the privilege of being a mentor to many young students.
The knowledge and skills taught to me through Taekwondo have not only helped me achieve my fitness goals but have deeply enriched my personal and professional life. I feel a great sense of responsibility in preserving these teachings and passing them on to our next generation.
Currently 3rd Dan Black belt.
Instructor, Registered / Insured, DBS checked
