Helping Taekwondo achievements gain wider educational recognition.
Martial Arts Education Group is an independent research initiative exploring how the dedication, discipline and technical competence developed through Taekwondo training might be better recognised within the wider UK education system. We are investigating whether there is real demand for an optional, externally recognised qualification that could sit alongside existing club grading structures and help students demonstrate their achievement beyond the club environment.
We are conducting structured research with the Taekwondo community to understand appetite, likely uptake and any practical concerns before any development work is considered.
Why This Matters
Thousands of young people train in Taekwondo across the UK, often for many years. Along the way they develop valuable skills and attributes - commitment, resilience, confidence, focus, leadership, and applied technical competence.
Within Taekwondo, these achievements are clearly recognised through grading systems and long-term progression. Outside Taekwondo, however, it can be difficult for schools, colleges, and other organisations to understand what those achievements represent.
We believe there may be an opportunity to bridge this gap by exploring an optional pathway that helps students translate their training into a form of recognition that is easier to understand in educational contexts - without changing what clubs already do.
For Club Owners and Instructors
We understand that Taekwondo clubs already have established structures, traditions and grading systems that work well for students. This project is not about replacing those systems - it is about exploring whether there is an additional, optional pathway that could support student progression and provide a value-added offering for clubs.
Potential benefits (if demand supports development) could include:
- An additional pathway for students who want wider recognition of their training
- Increased retention for long-term students
- A clear “milestone” achievement for older juniors and teens
- A structured option that complements existing gradings rather than competing with or distracting from them
Most importantly: clubs would remain fully independent and continue to teach and grade as they always have.
For Parents and Students
Taekwondo training develops real, transferable skills that can support young people far beyond sport - confidence, discipline, resilience, focus and long-term commitment.
We are exploring whether students and families would value an optional qualification that could help communicate those achievements more clearly in contexts such as:
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School enrichment and wider achievement
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Sixth form, college or apprenticeship applications
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Personal statements and CVs
This would be designed to complement existing Taekwondo progression, not replace it.
What This Is Not
To be clear, this project is not intended to:
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Replace or interfere with belt grading systems
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Judge clubs or compare grading standards
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Require clubs to change their teaching approach
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Impose a new curriculum on existing training
Any future pathway would be optional, designed to recognise competence developed through normal training.
Research Phase: Have Your Say
We are currently gathering evidence from the Taekwondo community to understand:
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Whether there is genuine interest in wider educational recognition
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How many students might realistically participate
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What concerns clubs or families would have
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What pricing and delivery would feel viable
Your responses will help determine how this project should proceed.
Take the Survey
(Club Owner and Parent Survey Links Here!!)
Volunteer for a Short Interview
If you are a club owner/instructor (or a parent of a student who trains), and would be open to a short call to share your thoughts, we would welcome your input.
(Register Interest Link Here!!)
Contact
Questions or comments are welcome.