Inspired By A Legend
Inspired by Bruce Lee in the movie ‘Enter the Dragon’ Darren searched out for a Martial Arts Club and so starting Taekwondo at 14 years old early in 2001, Darren joined Pilsung under the instruction of Andrew Hill at the 393 club. Darren rocketed through Kup level double grading each time achieving 1st Dan early in 2003. Darren showed great potential in the sport side to Taekwondo early in his training, competing in many competitions including one to ones, open and nationals; his abilities soared and during 2002 Darren was selected for Squad Training held at Loughborough University.
Late 2003 saw a tragic accident to Darren as he ruptured a cruciate ligament of his left knee, Darren was forced to retire from Taekwondo. After a long 12 months of Physiotherapy Darren Rehabilitated and returned to training. After just a few months of achieving 2nd Dan late in 2004 Darren’s psychological effects from his knee injury meant that he was not strong enough to return fully to Taekwondo.
Many years later Darren has since enrolled at the University of Chichester where he is currently studying a Bsc in Sports Therapy and is in his final year, modules such as Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body, Neuromusculoskeletal Manual Therapy, Rehabilitation & Remedial Therapy and Psychology of Injuries to Athletes have all gave Darren the strength, knowledge and support to once again return to Taekwondo and in the spirit of the London Olympics 2012 Darren is now looking forward to competing in this year’s British Taekwondo National Championships.
Darren’s Ultimate Dream is to Someday Compete at The Olympics.
Achievements
- Scorpion Taekwondo Tournament 2001 – @ Barnsley – Winner
- Kangchul Tournament 2001 – Winner Kangchul tournament 2001 – R/Up
- Ultimate Tournament 2001 – @ Barnsley – Winner
- Selected for National Squad Training 2002 – @ Loughborough University
- WG’s Academy Tournament 2002 – @ Doncaster – Winner
- All Stars Taekwondo Tournament 2002 – @ Porcelanosa Dome – Winner
- Gained 1st Dan 2003 – Examiner – Master Ian Lennox 6th Dan – @ Mansfield
- 1 Gold @ Doncaster Dome 2003
- Gained 2nd Dan 2004 – Examiner – Master Park Soo – Nam 9th Dan – @ Mansfield
- Became Pilsung Student Instructor – 2004-2008
- British National Championships – Manchester – 2012 – Bronze