Why most Taekwon-Do students never reach black belt
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
By Prajjayan Thoppey, Wilson’s School
Around 30 to 40 students annually begin to train at Croydon Taekwon-Do Academy, but only 3 to 5 are expected to reach black belt per year, according to Master Alex Nardizzi, one of the instructors. I trained at the academy for seven years under Grand Master Donato Nardizzi and received my 1st Dan in 2025. The figures highlight the difficulties of maintaining participation and discipline over the several years required to progress through the grading system.
One reason students leave is the increasing pressure of education. According to Alex, teenagers often stop attending as examinations, studying and university become priorities. A parent interviewed at the academy also suggested that younger students can lose interest when training begins to feel compulsory rather than voluntary.
Additionally, practical factors can affect attendance. During winter, darker evenings and longer journeys can make travelling to training more difficult for younger students. Sleep and other commitments can also take priority as the academy demands for two to three 1.25 hour sessions from 8pm to 9.25pm.
However, not everyone who leaves Taekwon-Do stops practising martial arts. Dom Nardizzi, who was a green belt at the academy, moved to boxing around 2019, explaining that he preferred the opportunity to learn a different discipline and begin teaching it himself. He also felt that Taekwon-Do could become focused on progressing through belts and certificates.
For those who continue training, consistency appears to be important. One student, 14, holding a black tag which is the penultimate belt before black belt (1st Dan), said Taekwon-Do had helped him manage his emotions and resolve disagreements with words. Despite the pressures of GCSE examinations, he remains committed to training.
Another black tag, 13, is aiming to achieve black belt by January 2027. He described Taekwon-Do as an important part of his identity, crediting the discipline with developing several life skills. Master Alex also identified regular attendance and commitment as common characteristics among students who progress.
