Bristol man who went from ‘small geeky child’ to taekwondo World Champion
A Bristol man who started taekwondo when he was bullied as a child, is celebrating 35 years in the sport.
Vaughan Buxton started taekwondo at the age of seven and earned his black belt three years later.
He said: “When I started taekwondo, I was a small, geeky child who got bullied. Taekwondo helped to build a new friend group, which in turn allowed my confidence to grow.
“I think taekwondo is great for all walks of life, both adults and children. It allows people to achieve goals, no matter how large or small.
“Its tenets teach respect and perseverance. It improves people’s confidence, as well as creating ever lasting friendships.”
Vaughan didn’t win titles until after he became a black belt, that's when his perseverance started to pay off.
In 1995 he won his first gold at the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain (TAGB) Welsh Open.
For three years running Vaughan also won in his category at the Clash of the Titans, which brought a range of martial arts styles together at the UK tournament in Huddersfield.
In 2004 he qualified for entry into the World Championships and won all 10 of his fights – on his 21st birthday.
Vaughan then went on to become welterweight World Champion in the sparring division in the sports’ birthplace of Korea.
Nearly 25 years ago Vaughan opened a club in Thornbury, to train others.
One of his students, Stuart Leppard, reached two World and two European Championship finals. He described Vaughan as a “star fighter”.
Stuart said: “He won a world championship in South Korea, the backyard of taekwondo, and I’m full of admiration for him.
“He was naturally good but didn’t really win anything until he was a black belt. But then he got stronger, learnt his trade and his fighting prowess and fitness paid off every time.”
In 2021 Vaughan’s competing days came to an end but he continues to instruct and inspire the next generation - with many achieving British, European and World titles in taekwondo and kickboxing.
Ben Turner was awarded best overall male at the European Championships in Cardiff last year.
Ben, who studied sports rehabilitation at University of the West of England (UWE) and now works as a neurological physiotherapist, said: “He’ll take you from good to great.”
James Maggs, who also competed at an elite level and acted as Vaughan’s assistant instructor for several years, said: “He was a phenomenal fighter and humble too.
“As a coach, he’s able to see potential in people and bring out the best in them. Students are often successful when they have him in their corner.”
The club welcomes students of all abilities from the age of four, with no upward cap. Vaughan has instructed Barbara Wood, who achieved her black belt at the age of 75.
Barbara, who took up the art at the age of 68 because her grandsons were students, said: “He is very encouraging. We take class seriously but have a laugh too.”