Harrogate Taekwondo Academy has returned from the British National Poomsae Championships with 13 medals.
The squad secured six gold, two silver and five bronze medals at the event, held at the University of Nottingham’s David Ross Sports Village on 31st October and 1st November.
The championships brought together 875 athletes for two days of competition.
Academy founder and head instructor, 7th Dan Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE, led a squad of nine athletes, seven of whom were competing at their first British National Championships.
The team consisted of Hui Hwang, Lachlan Toms, Lawrence Russell, Leia Wibberley, William Harris, Tayeba Rafat, Charles Anderson, Fatimeh Shahbazi and Selena Teji.
Hui Hwang made his national championship debut in the Dan Cadet Male category and was the squad’s only competitor in a black belt division.
The athletes were supported by coaches Master Martin Squires and Aaron Leith, assistant coach Tiina Gray and academy athlete Matilda Davis.
Master Kambiz also served as Chief Referee at the championships for the second time, overseeing referee teams across six courts.
Master Kambiz said:
“I cannot express how proud I am of all our students. Seven of our nine athletes were competing at their very first British Nationals, and to return home with 13 medals, including six gold, is a fantastic achievement. Every member showed great determination, character and pride in representing Harrogate.
“My sincere thanks go to our dedicated coaches and assistants, Martin Squires, Aaron Leith, Tiina Gray and Matilda Davis, and to our wonderful families who supported our athletes and volunteered throughout the weekend. This is what makes our academy so special."
He added:
“It was also a great honour to serve as Chief Referee for the second time. After months of preparation, I am delighted with the success of the championships and extremely grateful to all our national and international referees for their professionalism, dedication and teamwork.
“It was a fantastic weekend for our academy and the British Taekwondo community. Aaron Leith and I are now looking forward to representing Great Britain as International Referees at the 2026 TKDSAC Open Poomsae Championships in Lisbon, Portugal.”
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