Little Dragon to 3rd Degree: Ryan’s HSTS Stevenage Success Story

From Little Dragon to 3rd Degree black belt, Ryan’s journey at HSTS Taekwon-Do Stevenage is a wonderful example of what dedication, perseverance and continued training can achieve.

Ryan began in our Little Dragons programme at just five years old. Since then, he has developed into a World Champion, a Junior Assistant Instructor and a role model for younger students. Most recently, he reached another important milestone: promotion to 3rd Degree black belt at the UTA black belt grading.

We are proud of his achievements and hope his story encourages our Little Dragons, students and parents to recognise the possibilities that can grow from those first lessons.

Starting Taekwon-Do at Five Years Old

When a child begins Taekwon-Do, their first achievements can seem small: learning to listen, remembering a movement, improving their balance or finding the confidence to join in.

However, these early steps provide a foundation for future progress.

Ryan started his training through our HSTS Little Dragons programme, which introduces children aged four to seven to martial arts through activities that develop coordination, confidence, listening skills and respect.

At that age, the focus is on enjoying learning and building good habits. Children begin to understand how to follow instructions, work alongside others and keep trying when something feels unfamiliar.

Ryan’s story shows how those foundations can support a much longer Taekwon-Do journey. What began as a childhood activity has grown into an opportunity to compete internationally, achieve advanced black belt grades and help others learn.

Little Dragon to 3rd Degree: A Milestone Earned Through Training

Ryan’s recent promotion to 3rd Degree black belt at the Unified Taekwon-Do Association grading marks a significant achievement.

Progressing through the grades requires sustained effort. Students must continue developing their techniques, patterns, understanding and ability to apply what they have learned.

Each stage brings new challenges. Movements become more demanding, expectations increase and students take greater responsibility for their own progress.

Ryan’s promotion reflects the work behind that development: attending training, listening to feedback, practising and continuing to improve.

A grading recognises progress made over time. For Ryan, this latest achievement adds another chapter to a journey that began when he was just five.

Success at National, European and World Level

Alongside his progression through the grades, Ryan has built an impressive competition record.

He has earned medals at UTA, UK ITF National and European level, as well as achieving the title of World Champion.

These achievements reflect dedication to preparing for competition and a willingness to test his skills against other competitors. Competition also brings opportunities to learn how to manage pressure, respond to setbacks and assess what needs further work.

For younger students, seeing someone from their own club achieve at this level can make future goals feel more tangible. Ryan once stood where they are now: learning the basics and taking his first steps in Taekwon-Do.

His success gives them an example of where consistent effort can lead.

Giving Back as a Junior Assistant Instructor

Ryan’s contribution to HSTS extends beyond his own training and competition achievements.

As a Junior Assistant Instructor, he helps teach at various HSTS Little Dragons and Cadets classes. He shares his experience, supports the instructors and encourages younger students as they develop their skills.

This is a particularly meaningful part of his journey. Having started as a Little Dragon himself, Ryan can appreciate how much there is to learn in those early lessons.

Helping others also requires a different set of skills. An assistant must communicate clearly, show patience and recognise when a student needs encouragement or another explanation.

By supporting younger students, Ryan has opportunities to develop those qualities while contributing to the club that has supported his own progress.

A Role Model for the Next Generation

There is something special about seeing a student grow from a young beginner into an accomplished competitor and dedicated black belt.

For the children Ryan now helps teach, his achievements provide a visible example of long-term progress. They can see that advanced skills are developed through practice and that everyone starts by learning the basics.

His example also shows that achievement brings opportunities to support others. Sharing knowledge, encouraging a training partner and helping a younger student are valuable contributions in their own right.

We want our students to take pride in their progress while remembering the importance of courtesy, responsibility and respect.

Ryan’s role within our classes gives him opportunities to put those values into practice.

What Students and Parents Can Take From Ryan’s Journey

Ryan’s progression from Little Dragon to 3rd Degree offers encouragement to students at every stage.

For our Little Dragons, it shows that early lessons can be the beginning of something lasting. For our Cadets and older students, it highlights the value of continuing to train and working patiently towards the next goal.

For parents, it is a reminder that development takes time. Progress may first appear in a child’s willingness to participate, their ability to concentrate or their determination to try again.

Those changes deserve recognition alongside belts, certificates and medals.

Every student’s journey will be different. Some will enjoy competition, some will develop an interest in teaching, and others will value the fitness, friendships and personal challenges that training provides.

The shared opportunity is to keep learning and discover what they can achieve through commitment.

Congratulations, Ryan

Congratulations to Ryan on his promotion to 3rd Degree black belt and on everything he has achieved along the way.

From starting at five years old to becoming a World Champion and helping teach the next generation, he has built a Taekwon-Do journey to be proud of.

We are equally proud of the contribution he makes to our Little Dragons and Cadets classes. His willingness to share his experience helps other students take their own steps forward.

We hope his story inspires our students to keep practising, remain open to guidance and approach their next challenge with determination.