We sat down with Aaron Bryant to chat about his selection for the British Student National Squad for taekwondo representing UCLAN and GB in the upcoming British national and world championships.

So Aaron, how did you get into the sport?

I got into taekwondo when I was around 18, training at a local club. I knew someone who was already a blackbelt in taekwondo who trained there, and they encouraged me to give it a go. I loved sparring so I stuck with it.

How were you able to be selected for the British national student squad?

The selection process is opened every year. This year I put myself forward for consideration, although I wasn't expecting to get a place after taking the last 3 years away from competition due to a serious heart problem.

The committee decided that my pre-absence competition results- as highest ranked UK fighter- and several other competition results, as well as the work I had put into being an active member of the community was enough to grant me a place on the squad. The process (and squad!) are very competitive and I feel extremely blessed to be given the spot. Now that my heart issues are more under control, and covid restrictions around training have been lifted, I am ready to get back to competition. 

Why did you decide to continue sport at university? Did it make a difference to your experience as a student?

Uni can be a very lonely place if you don't make friends and I found university sports clubs were a great place to do this. Whilst doing my undergrad I ended up on the committee for Bristol’s taekwondo and kickboxing clubs for 4 years, where I made lots of close friends -some that I would now consider family!

When I moved up to UCLan for my postgrad, I wanted to do the same- so I took up the position of instructor of the taekwondo club here. I have been able to make friends in abundance, and because of the inclusive and friendly nature of the club, I have met people from so many different backgrounds and experiences- be that people from other countries, inspiring students with disabilities or the LGBTQ+ community. It truly has opened a whole new world for me.

I suffer from depression, and especially with the national lockdowns due to covid, alongside moving away from all my existing family and friends, if it hadn't been for the taekwondo club I am not sure I would have made it to where I am today.

What would you say to those thinking about joining a Union club or society whilst at University?

University is about more than grades. It's about developing as a person and being involved. Sport clubs, especially martial arts like taekwondo teach so much in the way of respect and discipline, and can really make the difference between a good or bad University experience. They’re also a great way to meet new people and make friends for life.
 

You can find out more about the club and join taekwondo here: https://www.uclansu.co.uk/organisation/7331/

Check out their Youtube trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU_Dr36mbac&feature=emb_imp_woyt