Martial Arts Master Honored After 35 Years Teaching Kids

A martial arts master who turned childhood pain into decades of purpose just received one of South Gloucestershire's highest community honors.

Vaughan Buxton won a Chair's Community Award for 35 years of volunteer taekwondo coaching through his club, South West Taekwondo. The Thornbury instructor has taught hundreds of students, from four-year-olds taking their first kicks to a 75-year-old woman earning her black belt.

Buxton's journey started when he was seven and being bullied. His parents enrolled him in taekwondo, and by age 10, he had earned his black belt. At 21, he won all 10 matches at the World Championships on his birthday, later becoming welterweight World Champion in Korea.

But winning titles wasn't enough. In 2001, Buxton founded his club in Thornbury to give others what martial arts gave him: confidence, discipline, and belonging.

His students have gone on to win British, European, and World titles in both taekwondo and kickboxing. Yet the wins that seem to matter most happen off the mat.

Barbara Wood earned her black belt at 75 under Buxton's coaching. "Vaughan is a natural leader and he makes every single student feel valued," she said. "He brings students together through various events and we feel part of a community."

Mark Pullin, who presented the award at SGS College, praised Buxton's inclusive approach. "Through Vaughan's leadership, hundreds of students have gained confidence, life skills, and national and international success," he said. "His inclusive approach ensures opportunities for all ages and abilities."

The Ripple Effect

Buxton holds one of the rarest titles in his sport. Only a handful of people globally can call themselves a taekwondo master. But his real achievement might be the community he's built over 25 years.

His club welcomes students of all abilities, creating a space where a child struggling with confidence can train alongside future world champions. The fundraising events and competitions bring families together, turning a martial arts school into a support network.

Buxton credits his team for the club's growth. "I am delighted to win this award and am grateful to have been put forward," he said. "I have a great team behind me, which has enabled the club to go from strength to strength."

From bullied kid to world champion to community hero, Buxton has spent three decades proving that the greatest victories happen when we help others discover their strength.