Our Story
Our Taekwon-Do club was founded with a simple goal: to create a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities can learn, grow, and achieve their potential.
Originally located in Boldon CA, our club was opened with the purpose of bringing authentic ITF Taekwon-Do to the North East. We have since moved to Gateshead, where our main school - Master Cook's School of Taekwon-Do - is located, and opened a sister school - East Boldon Martial Arts - which remains in Boldon.
We believe Taekwon-Do is for everyone. Our club is built on encouragement, friendship, and a strong sense of community, where every student is challenged to become the best version of themselves while enjoying the journey together.
None of this would be possible without the hard work of our talented instructors, all of whom have experienced their own unique journey with Taekwon-Do, from training with the General to attending classes with world class athletes!
We are proud of what we've built and look forward to welcoming new members to our Taekwon-Do family.
History of ITF Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do (literally translating to foot-fist-art) is a Korean martial art that combines kicking techniques, strikes and blocks, self-defence, and mental discipline. It was founded in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi, who brought together elements of traditional martial arts, such as Tang Soo Do and Karate, with modern training methods to create a structured system.
In 1966, General Choi established the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) to promote and develop Taekwon-Do around the world. Since then, ITF Taekwon-Do has grown into a global martial art, practised in countries across every continent.
Today, ITF Taekwon-Do continues to uphold its core principles of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Training develops not only physical fitness and practical self-defence skills but also confidence, respect, and lifelong personal growth.