Jake Roberts

Meet Jake Roberts — 17 years old, 2nd Dan Black Belt, and one of the most remarkable students our dojang has ever produced. Jake first discovered Taekwondo through a taster session at school in May 2014, when he was just five years old. He came home buzzing, found out that Train Taekwondo was opening in Beverley, and the rest is history.

His journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 7 years old, Jake won a Silver Medal at the World Championships in 2017 — competing on the biggest stage in the sport. He then went on to earn his Black Belt at the age of 10, just six weeks after emergency surgery. That alone tells you everything you need to know about Jake's character.

Now 17 and holding his 2nd Dan, Jake continues to compete at the highest level and has set his sights on the TAGB Elite National Squad. He is the living definition of Indomitable Spirit.

From his very first pad kick as a tiny tot, to standing on the World Championship podium, to competing at the highest level today — Jake's journey in pictures.

Jake is one of those students who reminds you exactly why you became an instructor. I have watched him grow from that tiny, energetic five-year-old who walked through the door in 2014 into the outstanding young martial artist he is today. His Silver Medal at the World Championships at age 7 was a jaw-dropping achievement — but what impressed me even more was earning his Black Belt just six weeks after emergency surgery. That is not just talent. That is character.

Jake has never taken shortcuts. He trains hard, competes hard, and carries himself with real humility. His goal of reaching the TAGB Elite National Squad is absolutely within his reach, and I have no doubt he will get there. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and everything that is still to come.

It is my honour to name Jake our April 2026 Student Spotlight. Keep going, Jake — the best is still ahead of you.