Skip to main content
0

Our teachers

”What I love best about teaching is seeing the lights go on: seeing someone understanding a technique or achieving something that they didn't think they could do. Knowing you have helped someone to fulfil their potential! I am very lucky doing a job I enjoy.

”I remember thinking what if I hate it, because it's become my job? But that hasn't happened yet, nearly twenty years later. I still never tire of learning and exploring the art, finding new applications for techniques, learning more about the history.

Instructor:
Guy Southard
Sixth Degree Black Belt

Guy started training in Tae Kwon-Do on 17th April 1991 with the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain, gained his First Degree Black Belt in 1994, and became a fully qualified Club Instructor in 1995. He has been teaching continuously since then. Mr Southard holds up to date and regularly updated first aid qualifications, full PI insurance, and an enhanced DBS check. He has taught at Callington, Launceston, Exmouth, Ottery St Mary and Sidmouth over the course of his career, as well as Bude, Okehampton and Plymouth.

Instructor:
Lisa Southard
Fifth Degree Black Belt

Lisa began training in May 2006 and gained her First Degree Black Belt in 2010. She became an Assistant Instructor in 2011, and an Instructor in 2017.

”There's so much to Tae Kwon-Do, I never tire of it. I wish I had started sooner but discovering it as a grown up is not a disadvantage. It's like being given your playtime back: here's something you can engage with on levels from brute to academic. I've been inspired to write, illustrate and publish a book to help students aged eight and up to learn the pattern meanings, as well as a series of children's stories which help to explain the tenets. And much more planned: but I intend to keep teaching even if I do get famous. It's the best job I've ever had!

Get in touch

    “

    We can’t recommend BOP Tae Kwon-Do enough. The instructors are highly experienced, knowledgeable and kind. They offer a safe, fun, inclusive and disciplined environment. Our son has been learning TKD for a few years now and he always leaves feeling happy and accomplished. The discipline has given him a wealth of positive qualities, drive and determination to succeed to name a few. The instructors encourage good principles which are transferred to his character promoting good all round morals. The discipline encourages friendship, respect and has had an overwhelming positive effect on his life and wellbeing. We never hesitate to recommend this club to anyone. Thank you Guy and Lisa.

    Chris and Kim Jenner
    “

    BOP is not your average academy but techniques 'with a twist'. Great for old, young, fit, unfit alike. It has greatly improved my self-confidence and is an extremely fun way to exercise; my general fitness has improved a lot from when I first started! It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, and learn the art in a happy and relaxed environment.

    Phill UffendellOkehampton
    “

    Sir and Ma'am are exceptional teachers. We took our three youngest for taster sessions before Christmas and they thoroughly enjoyed it! Win. We'd tried other clubs before but found that the teachings weren't compatible for those with additional needs, whereas at Bop there is plenty of understanding and patience whilst still managing to educate the class and make it fun for all. I highly recommend them as a Taekwondo school for all ages and abilities. You will not be disappointed.

    Jade
    “

    My name is Daisy, and i've been coming to taekwondo for 7 years. I started when i was 5 years old .
    I love how iv always been pushed to try my hardest and how everyone supports everybody no matter what level they are. I've learnt so much and feel im constantly getting better. There's still so much to learn. It keeps pushing me to improve. I love it.

    Daisy
    “

    My son started at BOP in 2019. He had been doing swimming lessons but wanted to try something new but he wasn’t sporty or into team sports. Since joining his confidence has improved and he has achieved many levels. Sir and Ma’am are great understanding teachers and they create a friendly supportive group of people.

    E.F