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Hwan Yeong Taekwondo Academy celebrates a landmark first year under its new name

Hwan Yeong Taekwondo Academy is kicking off the New Year in style as it reflects on an exceptional first year of trading under its new name (which means 'Welcome' in Korean).

Following a well-earned festive break, the Club has welcomed 2026 with renewed energy and excitement, reopening in January and continuing to build on a year that marked a major milestone in their history. 2025 saw the official launch of the Hwan Yeong name and, for the first time since the Ormskirk club opened its doors, operating fully independently, an exciting step forward.

Russell Watkinson, Club owner and Lead Instructor said: ‘2025 has been a fantastic year for our Club, our students, and our families.  We are thrilled with the positive response to our rebrand and cannot wait to further establish ourselves in the local and extended British Taekwondo community'’

Hwan Yeong enjoyed a sensational year on the competition circuit. In Kyorugi (sparring), students competed in seven competitions across the UK and Europe, travelling from Liverpool to Moldova via Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield. Medal success followed at every level, with the Club’s first international Gold.

The first competition of the year saw a small but determined team of five athletes, while the final event at Barnsley BodyShot featured a squad of over 20 competitors.

In Poomsae, athletes represented the Club at two events, securing six medals at the Mayor’s Cup, followed by an outstanding performance at Gajok, bringing home 32 medals and a 3rd Place Team Cup.

Community impact remained at the heart of Hwan Yeong Taekwondo Academy throughout the year. The Club proudly supported a range of charities, including Prostate Cancer UK, Queenscourt Hospice, Brain Tumour Research, Teenage Cancer Trust, Breast Cancer Awareness, Children in Need, and fundraising initiatives for Churchtown Primary School.

2025 was packed with club activity beyond the mats. Highlights included a club Treasure Hunt, a seminar with Olympic medallist Amy Truesdale and a WUKA collaboration. They also achieved the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts Award, delivered First Aid courses, and expanded its youth club provision.

Eleven grading sessions resulted in over 100 new belts across Ninja and Taekwondo programmes. Thirteen students achieved Black Belt success, including eight brand-new Black Belts and five Black Belt promotions, a proud achievement for the entire Hwan Yeong family.

The Club brought the year to a close with its 2025 Awards Night an annual event celebrating dedication, achievement and community spirit.

Awards were presented to:

·       Ninja of the Year – Connor Robinson

·       Cadet of the Year – Poppy Gleave

·       Student of the Year – Nicola McLellan

·       Junior Coach of the Year – Katie Tugwell

·       Coach of the Year – Anthony 'Spuddy' Taylor

·       Flo & Harry Watkinson 5 Tenets Award – Kerry Smith

As 2025 drew to a close, it was clear that the Hwan Yeong name is now firmly on the taekwondo map. With strong foundations, a committed community and an ever-growing list of achievements, the Academy now looks ahead to making 2026 even busier, more vibrant and more successful.

Hwan Yeong offer two free trial classes, email admin@hwanyeong.com to find out more.