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Thomas Iddon after winning gold at the 2025 British Championships
Student Spotlight ยท April 2026

Thomas Iddon

2nd Dan Black Belt · 9 Years Training · 2025 British Championship Gold Medallist

9
Years Training
2nd Dan
Black Belt
2016
Started
๐Ÿฅ‡
British Champion

๐Ÿฅ‡ 2025 British Championship Gold Medallist  ยท  2nd Dan Black Belt at 17  ยท  World Squad Training ๐ŸŒ

Meet Thomas Iddon โ€” 17 years old, 2nd Dan Black Belt, and one of the most dedicated and selfless students in the club. Thomas first discovered Taekwondo at an after school club at Wilberfoss Primary School, and it wasn't long before he convinced his Dad to join him at the Sunday class in Market Weighton โ€” where his journey officially began in 2016.

Nine years on, Thomas has grown into a 2025 British Championship Gold Medallist and a student who has represented the club at the highest level, including squad training ahead of the World Championships. But what sets Thomas apart is not just his medal haul โ€” it is the way he shows up. Every single session, without exception, he gives 100%. He is always the first to help a struggling student, always willing to stay late, and always the kind of training partner who makes everyone around him better.

With his sights firmly set on achieving his 3rd Dan, Thomas is a student who embodies everything Taekwondo stands for โ€” and then some.

"The best way to stick with Taekwondo would be to enjoy it and not let it start to feel like a chore โ€” get one of your friends to do it with you, or make new ones at training."

โ€” Thomas Iddon, April 2026
How did you first get into Taekwondo?
I first started at an after school club at Wilberfoss Primary and eventually convinced my Dad to start going to proper classes. The rest is history.
What's your favourite kick?
The sidekick โ€” because of how effective and satisfying it is to score with.
What's your favourite pattern?
Choong-Jang. It's a great pattern โ€” technical and flowing at the same time.
What's been your biggest challenge in training?
Keeping up with training throughout lockdown. It was tough not being able to get on the mat, but I kept going as best I could.
What's your proudest Taekwondo moment?
Winning gold at the 2025 British Championships. That one meant a lot โ€” it was the result of a lot of hard work over a long time.
Which tenet of Taekwondo means the most to you?
Perseverance โ€” it's the hardest one in my opinion. But if you have the correct mindset and persevere at everything you do, you will be able to achieve significantly more than somebody who does not apply themselves, regardless of talent.
How has Taekwondo helped you outside of class?
It has helped with my confidence around new people and how to deal with nerves โ€” like before a competition. Those skills carry over into everything.
What are your goals for the future?
I'm planning on doing my third dan next year. That's the next big milestone and I'm working towards it.
What advice would you give to new students?
Enjoy it and don't let it feel like a chore. The best way to stick with it is to get a friend to do it with you โ€” or make new ones at training. The people in this club make it special.

From his early days as a white belt, to holding the club trophy, to standing on the British Championship podium โ€” Thomas's journey in pictures.

×
Favourite Artist
The Weeknd
Favourite Food
Pizza
Hobby Outside Taekwondo
Playing the violin
One Skill to Master Instantly
How to do a backflip
Favourite Pattern
Choong-Jang
Next Big Goal
3rd Dan Black Belt

Thomas is an absolute credit to this club. From the very beginning, he has been the kind of student every instructor hopes for โ€” someone who turns up, works hard, and never makes excuses. But what makes Thomas truly stand out is his attitude towards others. He is always there to help any student who is struggling, always willing to give his time, and always the first to put his hand up when something needs doing.

Winning gold at the 2025 British Championships was a brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved โ€” but it is what happens in every session before and after the big days that defines Thomas as a martial artist. He gives 100% regardless. Every class, every time. That is not something you can teach โ€” it is who you are.

Thomas, his Mum, and his Dad โ€” who has been there at pretty much every competition and trains with him at home โ€” are all a huge part of what makes this club what it is. We are incredibly proud of everything Thomas has achieved, and I have no doubt his 3rd Dan is well within reach. It is my honour to name Thomas our April 2026 Student Spotlight.

Inspired by Thomas's Story?

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