About Us

Welcome to Ildokwan—Bristol’s leading Traditional Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan school, where heritage, authenticity, and real-world skill come together. Under the guidance of Grand Master Andy Davies (9th Dan) and his highly experienced team, we proudly pass on knowledge forged through decades of dedicated martial arts practice. Our approach is deeply rooted in traditional values, yet shaped by a lifetime of learning from the very pioneers of Taekwondo, ensuring our students receive instruction that is both genuine and exceptionally rare.

What truly sets Ildokwan apart is our direct lineage to one of Taekwondo’s great pioneers, Grand Master Kim Bok Man, under whom Grand Master Davies trained, tested, and was personally mentored. This connection, combined with extensive training alongside leading Korean masters, places our school in a unique position of authenticity and authority. Recognised internationally as a Taekwondo Visionary, Grand Master Davies was honoured in 2024 as Senior Grand Master of the Year and inducted into the High Range Book of World Records – International Hall of Fame, adding to his earlier induction into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

While our Chief Instructor has competed at the highest levels—nationally and internationally starting in the mid 1970's, across full-contact, semi-contact, kickboxing, patterns, and extreme martial arts—and has coached champions including Junior World competitors and an Olympic Selection Championship winner, our focus goes far beyond competition. At Ildokwan, Taekwondo is first and foremost a practical martial art—designed for real-life application, personal development, and lifelong growth.

In contrast to many clubs that focus heavily on sport-based training and point scoring, our classes emphasise functional skills, traditional techniques, and meaningful progression. We are not simply developing competitors—we are shaping individuals. Our aim is to build confidence, discipline, resilience, and character, creating not just martial artists, but true champions of life.