About Taekwon-Do
A traditional Korean martial art
Taekwon-Do is the art of self-defence that originated in Korea. In Korean, Tae means "to kick"; Kwon means “to strike or punch”; and Do means "way or art". Thus, Taekwon-Do can literally be translated as "the art of kicking and striking".
Taekwon-Do was officially founded in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi, and was brought to the UK by his student Rhee Ki Ha (who at the time was a 5th Dan). Mr Rhee came to the UK in 1967 and founded the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association (UKTA). Since then Taekwon-Do across the UK has exploded, and has become a widely popular martial art and sport.
Taekwon-Do is an effective, practical and complete martial art. However, practising Taekwon-Do is about much more than learning how to improve yourself physically. It takes great dedication to reach black belt, and with that you will learn to live the tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
As well as being fantastic for the body and mind, Taekwon-Do is great for your social life. You will make life long friends at your club as well as members from across the UK, and around the world.
Our Story
Brighton School of Taekwon-Do was established in the 1980s by Mr Edmund Chow IV. Mr Chow has since become a personal trainer for a host of celebrities such as Angela Jolie and Keira Knightley. In 2007, Jon Swaine (a prior student of Mr Chow) took over, and has seen many students progress over the years. Mr Swaine himself currently has over 30 years of experience in Taekwon-Do, and his school has evolved into a fun and friendly family-run affair: both his daughter Chloe, and son Ashley are students at the club, with Chloe being a qualified assistant instructor.
Our Instructors
Mr Swaine started Taekwon-Do in 1993 and gained his 1st Dan black belt in 1996 under Mr Ed Chow. He has trained with some of the most experienced Taekwon-Do practitioners from around the world.
Mr Swaine is currently an international instructor, an A-class umpire, and head instructor of Brighton School of Taekwon-Do, which he took over in 2007.
Mr Jon Swaine VI
Head Instructor
Miss Swaine began training in 2005 at the age of 7, following the footsteps of her father Jon Swaine. Chloe achieved her 1st Dan black belt in 2011, having graded under First Grandmaster Rhee.
After a successful junior competitive career which saw Chloe win multiple national titles and medals, she now umpires competitions at the national level.
Miss Chloe Swaine III
Assistant Instructor