Meet Mr Houghton-Mari

I have been practicing martial arts since 2008, beginning in Karate Do, where I qualified as a junior athlete for team GB. I left my “home” that was in Karate Do in 2021 and explored other disciplines, those being: Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu, MMA, Boxing and of course, Taekwon-Do. 

It was in Taekwon-Do that I found a new home. What struck me most deeply about Taekwon-Do was not the art itself, but rather the community.

I have coached the Durham university Taekwon-Do team since 2024 and have otherwise taught martial arts to a wide range of ages for four years (as of 2026). My teaching-approach combines practical combat with an appreciation of Taekwon-Do’s historical foundations, always tailored to the needs of the individual student.