Meet Warren Vice, 6th Dan TAGB (Taekwondo Association of Great Britain) fighter and head instructor at Sefton TAGB Taekwondo.
The holder of 22 world championship gold titles and winner of ALL national titles in the UK, Warren is internationally recognised as one of the most successful Taekwondo fighters ever.
Hi Warren! Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a taekwondo instructor and own Sefton TAGB Taekwondo, first and foremost. I used to be captain of the British TAGB team.
How long have you been involved in taekwondo?
I started when I was 6 years old… a long time ago! I’m 33 now, so I have been doing it for 27 years. I originally started because I was getting bullied at school.
At the time, taking part in martial arts was mainly an adult and male focused thing. My instructor was the only one taking on children and that’s why I got involved in taekwondo and not another martial art. I was never that gifted in taekwondo and as a result needed to train and work extremely hard for any achievement.
Have you had many setbacks in your career?
I’ve had a few setbacks. As an adult, the main one was a couple of years ago. I snapped my Achilles tendon and I had to have reconstructive surgery. I was out for almost a year and I was in a wheelchair at one point.
I came back to fight in the British championship which I won and sixth months later I won the world championship. Mentally it was hard but I had quite a speedy recovery really!
Did you have any role models? We’ve heard that Jackie Chan was an inspiration!
Yeah, Jackie Chan! A lot of martial arts movies. Jackie Chan was the main one though. Me and my dad used to watch lots of those films, even now I do! Some of his most recent films haven’t been too great though…
I’m quite laid back with my martial arts, so the combination of comedy and martial arts was great. I suppose that it’s had an influence on my teaching too, it’s about having fun. But yeah, Jackie Chan more than anyone else.
What affect does involvement in a martial art have mentally?
You socialise with others of various ages and from different schools. It gives you confidence and you learn respect for adults and other children. It’s a great way to meet new people.
Taekwondo inspires people. It’s a very visual thing and kids who attend my classes get inspiration from those around them. We have such a good group at Sefton TAGB now; everyone is trying to inspire one another. It doesn’t just rely on me.
How easy is it for young people to get involved in martial arts?
With us it couldn’t be easier! It’s just a case of giving me a phone call. We have a massive reach across the whole area. I also offer a month free so you can see whether the sport is for you and enjoy the teaching that we provide without any obligations.
For more information about Sefton TAGB Taekwondo please call Warren on: 07825 380 642
Visit the Sefton TAGB Taekwondo website here.
