Our Instructors and Black Belts
Click on an instructor or Black Belts photo to find out more about them.
Mr Adam Swain (4th Degree)
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I started Taekwon-Do in December 2002 at the age of 13, training under Mr Chris Walker in Southampton. In October 2006 I was successful in grading to 1st Degree Black Belt with Credit, and have recently passed my 4th Degree grading. I am a fully qualified P.U.M.A. Instructor and competition Referee. I have been assisting in Mr Walker’s classes for a number of years and have really enjoyed being able to pass on what I have learnt throughout my training - which is the main reason for starting my own school. Teaching helps me to reflect on my own technique and improve my understanding; I also love being asked questions I don’t already know the answer to. After earning my 1st Degree I was able to convince my mum to start training (who had sat and watched almost every training session I’d been to!), and at a P.U.M.A. competition I met my future wife. To me Taekwon-Do is much more than just a martial art. It is a way of living, and an extended family! I’m very passionate about Taekwon-Do, and P.U.M.A. and I believe it is this passion that has helped me to become as successful as I am. The family atmosphere that runs right the way through P.U.M.A. has made me feel very welcome at every event I’ve attended - some of my best friends have been made through Taekwon-Do. I have had the honour of representing P.U.M.A. at a number of international competitions, including two ITF World Cups, and hope to be able to continue to do so for many years. To stay at this level I am always looking to improve my fitness and knowledge. I hope I will be able to pass on my enthusiasm and experience throughout your journey, and help you to achieve whatever you have set your sights on. |
Mrs Jennifer Swain (4th Degree)
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I started training when I was 7 Years old with my Dad. A year or so later my younger sister joined. I gained my 1st Degree when I was 12 years old, which was a real turning point for me. In October 2014 I passed my 4th Degree grading with Distinction and was also awarded the ‘Mike Frost Heart and Soul Award’. I am a fully qualified P.U.M.A. Instructor, and ‘Little P.U.M.A.s’ Instructor (classes for 4-7year olds). I fell in love with Taekwon-Do from the moment I started and have never lost that feeling. Taekwon-Do has always provided me with lots of great opportunities and challenges, and as a child really helped my self confidence. I believe that Taekwon-Do really is for people of all ages and abilities - having trained with children as young as 4 and grandparents in their 60’s! At 14 I became an Assistant Instructor and supported Master Gayle (8th Degree, and Chairman of P.U.M.A.) at his school in Swindon. As I continued to teach with the guidance of Master Gayle, I discovered that teaching was something that I wished to do as a career, so I studied hard and applied to do a teaching degree at the University of Gloucestershire, for 5- 11 Year olds. Whilst continuing my degree I began teaching a Little P.U.M.A.s class under the guidance of Mr Skidmore(IV). I am currently a Special Needs Teacher and I’m very enthusiastic and passionate about my job. It’s always a great feeling watching students continually improve and excel. Whilst supporting Master Gayle’s class and training very hard I was selected for the National team to compete internationally. My greatest achievement was winning a gold and silver medal at the Junior World Championships held in Australia. Whilst I was competing I met my future husband. We have competed together for 6 years and travelled around the world in doing so. We are a great team and continually support each other to be better. I look forward to seeing lots of new faces at the Swain Taekwon-Do school and supporting each person with their individual goals. |
Mrs Chrissy Hallett (1st Kup)
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Chrissy is our main Little PUMAs assistant, and a qualified Little PUMA instructor; she has attained a black stripe in Taekwon-Do and is working towards her Black Belt. Chrissy has been involved in child education for over 25 years: as a pre-school manager, pre-school development adviser and junior school teaching assistant, she is currently an assistant manager for the Portage and Early Years Special Educational Needs Service in the Southampton Council. Her wealth of experience in childhood development is a massive benefit to Swain Taekwon-Do, and her passion for the area shows when she teaches.
