A Darlington taekwondo academy is celebrating a remarkable international success after returning from the WUMF World Championships 2026 with 11 medals and a top-ten team finish.
East Meets West Taekwondo Academy (EMWTA), based on Victoria Road in Darlington, took just seven competitors to the World Union of Martial Arts Federations (WUMF) World Championships 2026 but came home with an impressive medal haul.
The championships, held at K2 Crawley in England on October 10 and 11, saw the academy compete in both Poomsae (patterns) and Sparring events against teams from more than 30 countries.
(Image: JASON PARK)
Despite being one of the smaller teams in attendance, EMWTA secured six gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals.
(Image: JASON PARK)
The academy also achieved ninth place in the overall taekwondo team standings.
The opening day of competition saw five EMWTA competitors take part in the Poomsae events, winning two gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
(Image: JASON PARK)
(Image: JASON PARK)
Six competitors then stepped onto the mats for the sparring competition on day two, adding a further four gold medals and two bronze medals to the academy's tally.
The success marks another milestone for the independent academy, which has been training students since 2012 and recently opened its dedicated training centre in Darlington.
Master Park, chief instructor at East Meets West Taekwondo Academy, praised the efforts of his competitors.
(Image: JASON PARK)
He said: “To take just seven competitors to a World Championships and return with 11 medals is an incredible achievement.
“Every single competitor demonstrated tremendous determination, courage and commitment.
(Image: JASON PARK)
"They have worked exceptionally hard in preparation for this event, and I could not be prouder of them.
“Finishing ninth in the Taekwondo team standings against international competition makes the achievement even more special.
“We may be a small academy, but our students have demonstrated that with dedication, quality coaching and the right attitude, they can compete successfully on the world stage.
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“I also want to thank our families, supporters and instructor team, whose commitment makes achievements like this possible.”
East Meets West Taekwondo Academy offers classes for children, teenagers, adults and families, alongside specialist programmes and competition training.
The club also welcomes beginners and offers free introductory lessons.