junior Taekwondo

What is junior taekwondo?

This programme is for our juniors aged between 9 and 17. We aim to provide a full package of what Taekwondo has to offer.

Whether progressing from our FUNdamental classes, or a complete beginner, we strive to work with each and every student, to achieve their goals.

This can be fitness, self-defence, international competition or completing the journey to black belt and beyond.

Lead by:

Head Coach Bertie Nicholson (35+ years experience)

Children and coaches at a taekwondo competition, holding medals and wearing martial arts uniforms, inside a sports arena.

Where and When?

Tuesday

6:45-8:15pm

Valley Leisure Centre

Newtownabbey

Thursday

6:45-8:15pm

Lough Moss Leisure Centre

Carryduff

What Parents Say?

Claire Brannigan - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Very well organised and professional. The coaches do a brilliant job of teaching, and helping each child make progress.”

Jason Finnegan - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A fantastic club, with great coaches who make it fun for the the kids.”

Karen Frizzell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My daughter has gained confidence, resilience and is a lot more comfortable to try new things.”

Who Coaches?

Head Coach Bertie Nicholson of Ulidia Taekwondo.
Coach Liza Nicholson of Ulidia Taekwondo.

Bertie Nicholson

Liza Nicholson

James Nicholson in a taekwondo uniform with a gold medal around his neck, at the Harrogate Open 2025.
Julie McKenna wearing a white taekwondo uniform with black trim and a black belt, coach at Ulidia Taekwondo.

James Nicholson

Julie McKenna

Rheanna McGlinchey a coach at Ulidia Taekwondo, smiling and posing with fists raised.

Rheanna McGlinchey

Our coaching team has over 100 years of combined experience teaching Taekwondo, including many years working with young children.

Your child will be supported by friendly, qualified black belts passionate about helping beginners grow.

Find out more about our coaches in the About section!

Frequently Asked Questions!

James Nicholson and Frans Salmi at the European Championships 2025 in Talinn, Estonia with James representing Ireland from Ulidia Taekwondo.

Coach James at the European Championships in Talinn, Estonia (2025)

Q: Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes — many Juniors start with no experience. Classes are structured so beginners and advanced students can train together safely and confidently.

Q: What will my child learn?

Juniors develop strong martial-arts skills including patterns, self-defence, pad work, sparring foundations, discipline, confidence, and overall fitness.

Q: Is sparring compulsory?

Sparring is introduced gradually and safely with beginners only doing body shots, and only becomes essential as students progress. Full protective gear and controlled techniques are always used.

Q: What should they wear to their first class?

Comfortable sports clothes and a water bottle. A uniform (dobok) can be ordered once they join officially.

Pricing?

Martial arts students practicing kicks using padded shields in a dojang at Ulidia Taekwondo with other students and instructors observing.
Martial arts training in a gym at Ulidia Taekwondo, with a person executing a flying kick between two padded mannequins, while others observe in the background.

Cost?

£5.50 per class if paying monthly

£6 per class if paying as you go

Introductory offer

£48 for 4 weeks training, your suit and insurance!

How to join?

1. Send us a message letting us know you’re interested.

2. Come along and enjoy your first session!

Try Your First Class Free!
Two young taekwondo practitioners sparring in a dojang at Ulidia Taekwondo, with one executing a kick and the other blocking, while three coaches observe.