The Tenents of Taekwondo

There are 5 principles of Taekwondo which are adhered to both during classes and outside of the ‘dojang’, the learning classroom.

These are:

• Etiquette – showing courtesy, politeness and respect to others in the dojang and those outside of formal Taekwondo training, including observing the correct manners at all time.
• Modesty – the ability to be humble about achievements and supporting other students in their own improvement.
• Perseverance – the willingness to continue to strive when the going gets tough, both in training and in life.
• Self-control – having control over your thoughts and your actions; keeping emotions in check even in difficult situations.
• Indomitable Spirit – the courage to stand up for your beliefs and putting 100% effort into everything that is done.

A Typical Class

When entering the ‘dojang’, where we practice, every student bows to the instructors and any student of a higher grade than themselves. This shows not only etiquette but also demonstrates respect.

Our classes always start with a warm up to make sure our muscles are ready for action!

We then practice our Basics Techniques, which include blocks, punches, strikes, kicks and stances, following our basics with a combinations of attack and counter attack moves, often with a partner, Poomsae, and non-contact sparring.

Our Founder – Grand Master Bryan Whiley, 7th Dan Kukkiwon registered, Changmookwan 8th Dan registered

Grand Master Bryan began his Taekwondo training in 1980, aged 32 years, having watched his son train for a number of months. His journey was not easy, as with most students learning a new skill, but with determination, perseverance, patience and practice Grand Master Bryan worked his way through the gradings to achieve 8th Dan Black Belt in 2016, also qualifying as an international Taekwondo Referee in 1991.

Throughout his training, Grand Master Bryan has kept strong links with Korea, having visited a number of times on his own and taking students with him to learn more about the art and the culture. He asked one of his Korean instructor friends for suggestions for a club name, and the suggestion was Baek Ho, with the white tiger adopted as our emblem, reflecting the meaning of Baek Ho.

Grand Master Bryan says… “I have become aware that there is no ending to my journey in Taekwondo. As long as I live it will stretch out before me in to the future. I know not what lies around the next bend or where the journey will take me. However, with the five tenets of Taekwondo: Etiquette, Modesty, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit as my signposts I am sure that journey will continue to be fascinating and rewarding. I owe Taekwondo a debt of gratitude as I would not be the man I am now without having first put my feet onto the dojang floor.”

Grand Master Bryan has also been commended and presented with a Certificate and Commemorative Ring from the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame, presented in New York. He continues to teach his own classes at Butterknowle Village Hall, and has recently graded two 82 year olds to 1st Dan,havng onstrcuted them since 2013.

Our Instructors

Master Jennie Lee – 5th Dan Instructor

I first started training in the martial art when I was just 18 years old. I had just finished college and wanted to start something new. I saw the advert for taekwondo to learn this new ‘explosive’ martial art so I went along to Middleton school to try it. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and trained 4 times a week for many years with Grand Master Bryan. I was lucky enough to visit South Korea twice, with some fellow students organised by Grand Master Bryan and his wife.  I then went on to visit South Korea for a third time on my own one summer and stayed with a Korean family. I helped teach English in the kindergartens and in return they taught me more Taekwondo.

Taekwondo has helped me so much in life what with self discipline, balance, coordination, evolving and learning from all of the 5 tenants. My favourite parts of /taekwondo are the Poomsae and practising the kicks. I am now lucky enough to be able to teach this fantastic and rewarding martial art each week and also to my son and daughter, who attend my classes.

Whilst I am not teaching Taekwondo, I am a full time class teacher, teaching preschool, Reception, year 1 and year 2 children. Another job that I absolutely love!

Master Sean Hayes  – 4th Dan Instructor

Master Sean started Taekwondo training in the north-east of England in 1984 as it had always been a passion and dream to train in martial arts. He hoped it would improve his abilities in self defence and develop self confidence. Taekwando offered Master Sean a route to develop himself in terms of confidence and self-control, and to be able to manage many life challenges.

Master Sean has focused his journey on learning the disciplines of a variety of martial arts, as well as taking part in Taekwando fighting competitions, gaining his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1991, and continuing with Taekwondo and other martial arts through his education years and career in the navy. He made a personal challenge to seek out and try different martial arts in every country he visited, particularly in his time in the Navy.

Master Sean joined Baek Ho Taekwondo around 12 years ago alongside his daughter, who achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt and still trains in Taekwando in a club in London. He began formally instructing 2 years later.

He has recently been successful in becoming a Special Constable with Durham Constabulary.