A very big and warm welcome to Gidae Taekwondo Academy; a family run business based in Kent. We look forward to working with you on your journey to black belt and beyond.
Embark on a journey with our friendly, caring, encouraging and expert instructors who are carefully selected by our Business Owner and Lead Instructor, Mr Cousins; to ensure the best standards of instructing are achieved. All instructors are Black Belt Instructors, enhanced DBS checked, safeguarding trained and first aid certified. Lessons are all carefully planned to ensure they are fun and inclusive, and follow the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) syllabus teaching Olympic style Taekwondo.
Our classes are designed to cater for children from age 5 upwards through to adults. We take great pride in the family club that we have built and the reputation that proceeds us. We believe in working hard to be the best that we can be, while having fun and building lifelong friendships along the way. Taekwondo is not just a sport; it is a way of life! A gateway to a brighter future by having confidence, self respect, hard work, determination, discipline and not giving up!
Gidae Taekwondo Academy was formed with the vision of bringing traditional Taekwondo and core values into schools and clubs across the country.
Who We Are?
The owner and driving force behind Gidae Taekwondo academy is Mr Cousins a 4th Dan Black Belt and Kukkiwon holder. Mr Cousins has been teaching Taekwondo to children, young people and adults for over 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is passionate and dedicated to imparting his knowledge and experience to all his students.
Mr Cousins’ background has always been coaching children and young people since he left school at the age of 16, and working with the progress and development of young people. His passion and enthusiasm shines through in his teaching, as he takes the time to develop each student on their own individual taekwondo journey through positive encouragement.
The origin of the name Gidae means ‘Hope’ in Korean, and the name of Mr Cousins’ daughter (his little bit of hope in the world). Mr Cousins believes that Taekwondo is not just a sport but a way of life; and lives his life by the 5 Tenets of Taekwondo.
In 2019, Natalina Kiely also joined forces with Mr Cousins. Natalina is described as the ‘heart of the business’ and is also a 2nd Dan Black Belt. She brings a warmth and understanding to the academy. Natalina is often seen helping the students who lack confidence and in need of a little extra support; with her positive and encouraging nature. Students love her kind and caring personality; and a big hit with the students.
Natalina, from a business and financial background, looks after the day to day running of the business as well as instructing herself. She shares the same passion and dedication as Mr Cousins, and together through hard work and determination, Gidae Taekwondo Academy has grown.
From humble beginnings, the academy has flourished under their team work and leadership, and makes it the club it is today!
Gidae Taekwondo Academy run classes and workshops across the South of England, covering areas such as London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and West Sussex. We boast an impressive number of classes and schools that we run workshops in.
At Gidae Taekwondo Academy we believe our martial arts academy is a unique learning experience where you are not just a student, but part of a family of martial artists striving for excellence. Each student is a valued member of our learning community.
We believe that Taekwondo is not just a sport but a way of life. We aim to help you stand out from the crowd by having confidence, self respect, determination and discipline. Taekwondo also benefits mental health, growth mindset and adopting a positive mental attitude, which are so important to carry you through life.
We believe and encourage working hard to be the best that you can be while having fun, and building lifelong friendships along the way.
What We Teach
At Gidae Taekwondo Academy, we teach World Taekwondo and follow the WTF syllabus using a mixture of traditional taekwondo and contemporary training methods. This ensures students acquire the traditional form of the martial art mixed with modern techniques and self defence skills. Also a member of the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA), Gidae Taekwondo Academy stand strong as an example of an exemplary martial arts academy who genuinely care about each and every one of their students.
Why Choose Gidae Taekwondo Academy?
What makes our academy stand out from all the others?
We inspire and empower all our students to achieve anything they set their mind to, and then help them to work hard to achieve their desired goal. We provide a safe learning environment for students, where they are taught that anything is possible if you work hard enough for it and don’t give up!
The benefits of Taekwondo are endless, but Gidae Taekwondo Academy offer so much more through their teaching and the inspiring way that they relate to children and young people. Schools, families and students often comment on the warmth that the instructors bring to the classes, and the amazing way they relate to the students. You just have to experience it!
As well as classes, we run many workshops in schools, workshops for adults, gradings, holiday camps, seminars and fundraisers throughout the year.
Gidae Taekwondo Academy are also supported by Blitz Sport, the UK’s leading martial arts equipment supplier, with all the excellent work that Gidae Taekwondo Academy do with schools and students and the difference they make in running their workshops for young people; Blitz love their passionate and enthusiasm, and proud to be part of Gidae Taekwondo Academy’s journey. Please take a look at our Facebook and Instagram pages for some of the wonderful work we do.
Students will also be offered an invitation to grade 3 times per academic year. We follow a grading syllabus (available upon request) which outlines everything students are required to know.
Whether a complete beginner, or an experienced martial artist, Gidae Taekwondo Academy welcome you to come along and be part of the Gidae Family.