2025, the year that almost broke us!

2025 has been a year of highs and lows unlike anything seen in the 31 years since St Albans TaeKwonDo’s inception.

While events like the South East TKD Opens and the English TKD Opens were major successes, these belong to the LTSI, much like the instructor courses and annual seminar that we simply help run.

On a personal club level, we saw disloyalty emerge as some left when times got tough. We lost our main venue after 31 years, though we knew it was coming.

The old saying “a new broom sweeps clean” rang true, and during this period my mental health hit rock bottom. For weeks I couldn’t see a way forward—was this the end? For most it was just a venue, but for me it was home.

In those moments I’d look up and ask God for a sign. Then, during a class one day, an 8-year-old chimed in, saying, “Sir, that venue is not St Albans TaeKwonDo – you are.” I was stunned, looked up, and said, “Thanks, God.” From that point I fully embraced my faith.

As we lost one venue, two new ones opened, signaling a fresh start. Numbers were down after many left, but my belief returned that I could rebuild from the ashes.

March brought our biggest black belt grading, but seven of twelve soon moved on, and at the same time family and friends faced cancer and serious illness. From March to July, I was coasting under the weight of it all.

Yet that one comment had lit the path back. I found an advertising approach that worked, venues that served us well, and the motivation to push students further, keeping coaching fresh and exciting.

Prayer became part of my daily life, and things began to improve—good news for loved ones, growing clubs, and a clearer outlook on life.

There were still things I needed to change to clear my mind, so I cut back on social media, using it only as a promotion tool.

Turning back to my DJ’ing, I took a course that reignited my passion for mixing and made it fun again.

I began focusing on the clubs, making changes that worked, and those training with us stayed because they love what we offer.

Confidence has grown, and as we look ahead to outside events in 2026, our membership continues to rise. People come and go, but loyalty remains the foundation of our clubs.

As an instructor, I have assistant instructors and cadets who, while playing a smaller role, still support where they can. Coaching is a huge job—it’s more than just showing up to teach; there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

We nurture growth and help shape characters for the better. Some leave quickly, others after a year or two, and a rare few see it as a lifelong commitment.

St Albans TaeKwonDo is a phoenix—over 30 years, it’s hit rock bottom a few times, but determination has always helped us rebrand and rebuild. There’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.

2025 tested us to the core, but looking back, our classes are thriving, surrounded by people who love what we do. I don’t chase reputation or the need to be the best—ego has no place in our clubs. It’s about doing our best for those who trust us to educate them well.

I’m grateful for everyone who’s stayed with us and believed in what we do. Big stars are stepping out of the shadows, and I’m sure 2026 will see them shine.

Our clubs are becoming something special, and the year ahead looks positive and full of pride as newcomers take their place in the spotlight.

On November 29th, some will reach new heights as they’re recognized for their hard work and dedication in 2025 at the Awards night, win or lose, it’s teamwork that makes the dream work. I couldn’t be prouder of every student’s efforts this year. Thank you all.

Master Snow VIII