About Us
The Club
‘Gajok’ (가족) means family in Korean — and that’s exactly what we are.
From our youngest juniors to our most experienced senior grades, every student at the club shares a strong bond. We’re not just training partners; we’re friends. Gajok is built on inclusivity and affordability, and we never treat martial arts as a business venture. For us, it’s a community, a passion, and a genuinely great place to learn and grow.
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Founded in 2003 with just a handful of students training in parish halls and school spaces, the club has grown steadily through the dedication and progress of its members. Today, we’re proud to have our own dedicated Dojang and call Burscough, Lancashire our home.
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We compete in both Kyorugi (fighting) and Poomsae (structured technique movements) at tournaments nationwide and beyond, and our track record speaks for itself — Numerous National Champions across Poomsae, Freestyle, Para and Kyorugi; European competition winners, a European Poomsae Champion; and a long list of medals in individual, pairs and team events. Gajok regularly finishes among the top-performing clubs at competitions, and several of our members represent or have represented Great Britain on the National Poomsae and Kyorugi Teams.
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Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We welcome students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and many of our members compete proudly in Para Taekwondo divisions across the country.
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But Gajok isn’t just about training. We host regular events, gatherings and celebrations that bring members — and parents — together outside of Taekwondo, strengthening the family spirit that defines us.
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Gajok is family — and there's a place here for everyone.
The Instructors
Claire Howard
Claire first started teaching Taekwondo in 2002. Currently a 5th Dan Master, Claire has progressed over 80 students to black-belt and above. Claire is a previous member of the GB Poomsae squad and competed across the UK and Europe. Claire is widely known and well respected within the Taekwondo community, regularly judges at Poomsae competitions nationwide and was voted Lancashire Sports Coach of the Year in 2017.
Josh Tobin
Josh is an incredibly talented all-rounder who started his taekwondo journey with Gajok as a four year old. Now a 4th Dan, Josh has represented Great Britain in both Poomsae and Kyorugi, is a previous National and European Poomsae Champion, current National Kyrougi Champion and a previous member of the GB Taekwondo Olympic Academy Programme.
Adam Donley
After starting Taekwondo in 2002 Adam gained his black belt aged 17 and is currently a 4th Dan. He has been with the club for almost 20 years, as student and coach. Adam pays close attention to strength and fitness training and with an eye for detail, Adam also judges on the Poomsae competition circuit as well as mentoring and coaching at Koryugi competitions.