The International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA) is proud to welcome Master Tim Watkins, 8th Degree, as the official representative for England. With decades of Taekwon-Do experience and a deep passion for making the art accessible to all, Master Watkins is ready to help drive the growth of Inclusive Taekwon-Do across the UK.
A New Chapter for Inclusive Taekwon-Do in England
After a meaningful discussion with IITA President Ben Evans, Master Watkins immediately saw the value of joining the movement.
“After a great conversation with Ben Evans, I joined straight away. We have so many students with different needs, but I want to reach more.”
Why Inclusion Matters
Master Watkins firmly believes that Taekwon-Do should have no barriers.
“Everyone should be able to do Taekwon-Do; there should be no barriers.”
Currently, his schools welcome students with both intellectual and physical disabilities, ensuring everyone has a chance to train, grow, and be part of the Taekwon-Do family.
Memorable Moments in Inclusive Teaching
For Master Watkins, teaching Inclusive Taekwon-Do has been a two-sided blessing:
“The greatest part of teaching inclusive Taekwon-Do is two-sided: one for the actual student, and two, how others get involved and support.”
This shared experience strengthens both students and the community around them.
Building Opportunities in England
While there is limited current infrastructure for Inclusive Taekwon-Do in England, Master Watkins is committed to changing this.
“There is not a lot at the moment, but I want to create more opportunities for students and instructors. I will start discussions with local authorities and governments to get more support.”
He also plans to encourage participation in IITA’s online World Championships and aims to integrate Inclusive divisions into existing competitions in England.
Goals and Vision
Master Watkins envisions a future where Inclusive Taekwon-Do is a standard part of the UK’s martial arts landscape:
Increase opportunities for students with disabilities
Engage more instructors and provide them with training to support diverse needs
Collaborate with local organizations to establish Inclusive events nationwide
The Value of Global Connection
Being part of IITA provides inspiration and support:
“The fact that there are others striving for the same thing acts as a support group. It will help instructors learn how to deal with different disabilities. I am not an expert but willing to learn from others to make Inclusive Taekwon-Do better.”
A Message to the Global IITA Community
“Thanks for getting this started. Any venture like this takes a lot of dedication, but with those involved already, I am sure this is going to grow and help so many more.”
We welcome Master Tim Watkins and look forward to seeing Inclusive Taekwon-Do flourish across England under his leadership.
