Master James Kessler
VIII Degree Black Belt
- Teaching Taekwon-Do since 1995
- UTKD Principal Instructor
- ITF Master, International Instructor and Examiner
- ITF International Umpire Class ‘A'
- President of A.T.U.K.
- ITF certificate No: GB-8-25
The beginning
I began my formal Taekwon-Do training during my early teens. Like many children of my generation, I was inspired to start martial arts training by such influences as Rocky, the Karate Kid and the Bruce Lee films. Never having been especially sporty as a youngster, I was surprised how well I took to my Taekwon-Do training.
Continuing to build my expertise
Over the years I have been fortunate enough to travel the world to improve my Taekwon-Do training, and have sought out the very best instruction in authentic ITF Taekwon-Do. I have trained under many prominent Grand Masters and Masters, including the late General Choi Hong Hi, 9th DAN (1918-2002), the founder of Taekwon-Do.
Accolades
During my training I have achieved many accolades, including many national tournament titles, three times British Champion, twice winning Black Belt Competitor of the Year, as well as the coveted Instructor of the Year award from a major UK Taekwon-Do association.
I am perhaps best known for my flexibility and kicking techniques. I also continue to develop my interpretation of the practical applications of Taekwon-Do techniques for use in real self defence.
My training has taken me several times to Korea, the home of Taekwon-Do, and I have studied at the international training centre for the ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) with Korean Grand Masters. I regularly attend ITF International Instructor Courses, International Technical Seminars and International Umpire Courses conducted by Grand Master Hwang Ho-Yong, IX Degree, the Head of the ITF Technical and Education Committee. This ensures I am completely up to date with the latest in technical development, so I can pass this information on to my students and instructor team.
Rank
In May of 2024 I was hugely honoured to be promoted to the rank of VIII Degree Black Belt in Korea, by the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). This makes me Shropshire’s most senior Taekwon-Do instructor, and its first Taekwon-Do Master.
Roles
I am currently the President of Alliance Taekwon-Do United Kingdom (A.T.U.K.) which is our national association. I also represent the group at the general meetings of the British Taekwon-Do Council (BTC) sitting along side the country’s most senior Taekwon-Do representatives.
I am regularly selected to represent England as an international umpire at both the ITF European and World Taekwon-Do Championships.
Focus on my students and promoting Taekwon-Do locally
I continue to place an emphasis on helping my students and their families learn together to the highest standard, benefiting both them and their local community.
As the Principle Instructor of UTKD, together with my team of instructors, I continue to work to bring a greater awareness to the local community on the physical, mental and psychological benefits of a modern martial arts education.
I look forward to meeting you in one of my classes soon!
Master Kessler teaches at our Shrewsbury HQ venue.