At just 11 years old, Ben Starkey has already made impressive strides in Taekwon-Do, achieving success in competitions and personal growth beyond the Dojang. His journey is one of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his family. Together, they’ve navigated the challenges of martial arts training, balancing it with school and other activities, while celebrating his achievements along the way.
Ben’s journey into Taekwon-Do started simply, with curiosity sparked by friends. He recalls, “Some of my friends were doing Taekwon-Do, and I was looking for another club to do outside of school, in addition to football. My friend Aidan was enjoying it, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I did a trial. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, so I wanted to keep going.” For Ben, this initial curiosity turned into a passion for the sport, leading him to dedicate hours of practice and effort towards his goals.
When Ben first stepped into the Dojang, like many others, he was unsure of what to expect. “I felt a bit nervous because I’d never done any martial arts before, but I was also excited to try something new,” Ben shares. “I didn’t know what half of the stuff meant when they were talking about things, especially the tenets at the start of the lesson and the oath. But I just thought, ‘I’ll get on with it!’” He admits that the serious nature of the class took him by surprise, but it was balanced with moments of fun, which helped him feel comfortable as a beginner.
Ben’s Dedication and Achievements in Taekwon-Do
Despite starting Taekwon-Do with no prior martial arts experience, Ben quickly proved that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible achievements. One of his standout moments came in 2023 when he was selected for the prestigious Holland Cup, his first international competition.
“I was shocked I’d been selected, but it made me feel more confident that my coaches thought I could compete there,”
Ben explains. In the lead-up to the event, he participated in smaller competitions and secured silver medals in both patterns and sparring at the LTSI tournament. These early successes boosted his confidence, paving the way for an even bigger accomplishment.
When the time came for the Holland Cup, Ben delivered an impressive performance, earning a bronze medal in patterns. “I’m really proud of that bronze,” he says. “The competitors were really good, and it was my first international competition.” This experience taught Ben the value of preparation and resilience, as he faced competitors with different skill levels and styles.
Ben’s competitive journey didn’t end there. In 2024, he continued to surprise himself, taking home gold in the special technique (high kick) at the Newcastle ITF English Championships competition. “I wasn’t expecting to do very well, as I hadn’t practised high kick that much, so I was shocked!” he says. This victory highlighted Ben’s natural talent and adaptability, even in areas where he hadn’t spent much time training. His ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most is a testament to his growing confidence and determination.
The challenges grew as Ben advanced in his training, especially when competing at higher belt levels. Yet, he rose to the occasion again at the Welsh Open, where he quickly learned a new pattern and fought his way through several rounds to win gold. “I was really pleased with that one,” Ben reflects. “The categories get bigger and more skilled as you go higher up the belts, so it was a great achievement.”
Earning his blue belt was another significant milestone for Ben. He acknowledges that the process gets more challenging with each belt: “Each grading, there is more to learn, and it gets harder every time.” Despite the increasing complexity, Ben remains determined, and his approach to tackling these challenges has matured over time.
The Starkey Family’s Role in Ben’s Success
Behind Ben’s success in Taekwon-Do is a strong support system led by his mum, Laura, and his dad, Andy. Laura remembers how the journey began after hearing from a fellow parent whose son was thriving in Taekwon-Do. “Initially, I was talking to Aidan’s mum, who spoke very fondly about how much Aidan enjoyed TKD and how well he was doing. We were looking for another club for Ben, and I hadn’t ever thought about martial arts, but talking to her made us think it would be great to see if Ben would enjoy it too.” With Ben at an age where screen time was increasing, Taekwon-Do offered the perfect balance of physical activity and discipline. Laura adds, “Another factor for us was the lesson times. We both work long hours and found it hard to find clubs that started later, so 7 pm classes were a godsend!”
Since Ben started training, his family has witnessed a remarkable transformation in him. Laura explains, “Taekwon-Do has really shown Ben how, if you work hard, you can achieve things you never thought you might be able to. The belt gradings give him something tangible to focus on, and competing has improved his confidence.” Ben’s ability to perform calmly and professionally, even at international competitions, has impressed his family. Laura believes these experiences will benefit him in the future, particularly when it comes to handling public speaking or presenting to large groups.
As parents, both Laura and Ben’s dad take an active role in his training and development. Laura helps Ben with theory and patterns at home, while his dad assists with sparring practice and offers advice based on his own experiences. “We’ve been impressed by how much Ben has achieved,” Laura says. “We encourage him to persevere, even when he’s feeling tired or not in the mood to go to class, which doesn't happen very often, but after going to the class he will always come away having enjoyed it.” Their approach to supporting Ben is thoughtful and balanced, ensuring that he stays motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
“We try to plan each week so Ben knows what to expect in advance,” Laura explains. “If there are days when he isn’t in the mood or is tired, we encourage him to still go but also make sure he gets time to do other things he enjoys.” The family’s understanding of what works best for Ben has been key to his success. They’ve found that practicing in small, manageable chunks works better for him, especially when it comes to learning theory for belt gradings.
Taekwon-Do’s Broader Impact on Ben’s Life
Taekwon-Do has had a far-reaching impact on Ben’s life, extending beyond the physical benefits of fitness and flexibility. One of the most significant lessons he’s learned is perseverance. “I’ve learned that if you don’t do well at something, you can keep practicing and get better,” Ben says. This mindset has served him well in school, particularly during his SATs, where he learned not to stress too much about results, knowing that practice and effort will always pay off in the long run.
For Ben, Taekwon-Do isn’t just about mastering techniques—it’s about building mental resilience and confidence. His mum has noticed how his attitude towards challenges has shifted.
“We’ve seen Ben’s confidence improve in all areas of his life,”
Laura shares. “He’s more willing to try new things without worrying too much about what others might think.” Whether it’s trying out a new ride at an amusement park, trying out new things at school or practicing a pattern in front of family members, Ben now approaches challenges with a calm, professional attitude.
Looking Ahead: Ben’s Future Goals in Taekwon-Do
As Ben continues to grow in the sport, his future goals are ambitious. He hopes to achieve his black belt and compete at even higher levels. “I’d also like to do some coaching as I get more experienced,” he says. Ben is inspired by his instructor, a 6th dan who competes for England, and other students at his club who have helped him improve along the way. He also looks up to Oliver Molnar, a young world champion in patterns, which is the area Ben enjoys the most.
Balancing Taekwon-Do with other activities like football and schoolwork isn’t always easy, but Ben’s family helps him manage his time effectively. “It can be hard fitting everything in, especially when I’m tired,” Ben admits. His approach is to tackle homework in smaller chunks during the week, leaving more time for his sports activities on the weekends. This balance allows him to excel in both Taekwon-Do and football, without feeling overwhelmed.
When asked what advice he would give to other kids thinking of starting Taekwon-Do, Ben says, “It’s not easy. There are so many different techniques to learn, and you have to put in the time to get them right. But it’s worth it because you learn a lot about respect and discipline, and it’s fun too.” Ben also highlights the social aspect of training, noting that he enjoys seeing his friends and having fun during class, alongside the more serious elements of the sport.
Taekwon-Do’s Impact on the Starkey Family
Taekwon-Do has become a central part of the Starkey family’s life. Laura explains how their weekly but flexible routine has changed to include Ben’s classes, competitions, and to encourage practice sessions at home. “It’s a commitment, but we’ve made it part of our work-life balance,” she says. “We’ve all learned some Korean to help Ben with his theory, and even his sister enjoys coming to watch him compete.” This family involvement has strengthened their bond, as they share in Ben’s successes and challenges.
Laura and her husband have embraced their roles in supporting Ben’s journey.
Giving your child the opportunity to try martial arts, like Taekwon-Do, can be a transformative experience with lasting benefits. Ben's journey from a curious beginner to an accomplished young athlete highlights the profound impact that martial arts can have on a child’s confidence, discipline, and resilience. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the supportive role of family in nurturing a child's growth.
Martial arts offer more than just physical fitness; they instil important life skills such as perseverance, respect, and self-discipline. For parents looking to provide their children with an enriching and well-rounded experience, martial arts can be a valuable addition to their lives. It encourages them to face challenges head-on, develop a strong work ethic, and gain confidence in their abilities.
So why not give your child the chance to explore this rewarding journey? Like Ben, they might discover a passion that fuels their personal development and opens doors to new opportunities. Martial arts can be an exciting and enriching path that shapes not only their physical capabilities but their character as well.
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