A martial arts instructor is celebrating 35 years in Taekwondo – with honours including winning British, European and World titles.
Master Vaughan Buxton, who started at the age of seven and earned his black belt by 10-years of age, has since gone on to train over a dozen champions.
Vaughan, a senior manager at a multimillion pound business, said: “When I started taekwondo, I was a small, geeky child who got bullied. Taekwondo helped to build a new friend group, which in turn allowed my confidence to grow.
“I think taekwondo is great for all walks of life, both adult and children. It allows people to achieve goals, no matter how large or small.
“Its tenets teach respect and perseverance. It improves people’s confidence, as well as creating ever lasting friendships.”
But he did not win titles until after he became a black belt when his perseverance paid off.
Vaughan, who is also a Master Violinist, said it just began to ‘click’ and he went on to win his first gold at the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain (TAGB) Welsh Open in 1995.
World Champion
Vaughan also won in his category at the Clash of the Titans, which brought a range of martial arts styles together at the UK tournament in Huddersfield, for three years running.
And he seeded as number 1 when he qualified for entry into the World Championships in 2004. He won all 10 of his bouts – on his 21st birthday.
He then went on to fight a half dozen tough rounds to be crowned welterweight World Champion in the sparring division in the sports’ birthplace of Korea.
Student and friend Stuart Leppard, 58, who has achieved his 5th and 6th degree under Vaughan’s instruction, as well as reaching two World and two European Championship finals, described him as a ‘star fighter’.
He said: “He won a world championship in South Korea, the backyard of Taekwondo, and I’m full of admiration for him.
“He was naturally good but didn’t really win anything until he was a black belt. But then he got stronger, learnt his trade and his fighting prowess and fitness paid off every time.”
He said of his coaching: “His laid-back attitude gets more out of people. He doesn’t demand respect – he earns it – and the results speak for themselves.”
Master
Vaughan, who opened the club in Thornbury nearly 25 years ago, now known as South West Taekwondo (SWTKD),was promoted to 7th Degree in May 2021 and his competing days officially came to an end.
But he continues to instruct and inspire the next generation – with many achieving British, European and World titles in TKD and Kickboxing.
Ben Turner, a second-degree black belt who was awarded best overall male at the European Championships in Cardiff, 2024, has praised Vaughan’s coaching.
Ben, who studied sports rehabilitation at University of the West of England (UWE) and now works as a neurological physiotherapist, said: “He’ll take you from good to great.”
And James Maggs, who also competed at an elite level and acted as Vaughan’s assistant instructor for several years, said: “He was a phenomenal fighter and humble too.
“As a coach, he’s able to see potential in people and bring out the best in them. Students are often successful when they have him in their corner.”
Inclusive
The club welcomes students of all abilities from the age of four, with no upward cap. Vaughan has instructed Barbara Wood, who achieved her black belt at the age of 75.
Barbara, who took up the art at the age of 68 because her grandsons were students, said: “He is very encouraging. We take class seriously but have a laugh too.”
Health
Taekwondo emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental strength.
Health benefits of Taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
She took up Tang Soo Do several years ago, and then Taekwondo. She used to enjoy Thai Boxing and Judo as a teenager. She is a student with South West Taekwondo Academy (SWTKD) ww.swtkd.co.uk
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