Mike Beard 5th Dan Chief Instructor of First Defence

I started Taekwondo in 1989 under the Instruction of Mr Andy Wilkins 3rd Dan. I originally started Martial arts to increase Fitness, Learn Self-Defence and for Stress Management. I have not looked back from the day I first started and I am continuing to strive forward in my own training and developing my students and Schools to the highest possible standars

In 1989 I was at the fore front of Taekwondo Tournaments as before this time their were very few if any traveling the Country to compete and making a success. Myself and good friend and training companion Mr Gavin Slade took it upon ourselves to see if we could put Cornwall on the map for Taekwondo. Gavin and myself with the help of our instructor decided to enter our first Tournament. The Tournament was huge with a vast number of competitors, but it was not to be a day for the Cornish both of us went out in the first round, so back to Cornwall empty handed it was to be, not a good start for us. On our return we deliberated over what had happened and decided it was time to train harder and analyzed every training method we had. The next Tournament was upon us and we duly travelled 500 miles to compete, success was to be had we both came back with a Bronze medal each. The first Tournament was the only one where I was to come away without any medals.

I opened my first School in Helston in 1995 and have trained and produced many Champions in the following area's :
3 World Champions, Silver Medalist at the World Championships, Triple Bronze Medalist at the World Championships, British, English and National Champions to name but a few.

Mr Mike Beard 6th Dan

Chief Instructor of First Defence Taekwondo
International Instructor & Black Belt Grading Examiner
6th Dan Taekwondo 5th Dan Brithai All Qualifications Below Conducted and recognised by City & Guilds, HSE, Skills Active and Child Safe)
MASTARR Official Certified Instructor (City & Guilds) Qualified First Aider/Paediatric First Aid Health & Saftey Certified (HSE & Skills Active) Child Protection Certified CRB Checked (Child Safe Protection)
Grading Examiner Type A
BNMAA Technical Director
Current World Black Belt Champion

I have gained over 37 Titles for Sparring, Patterns and Destruction including those listed below;
1992 Atlantic Championships Silver
1992 Southern Open Bronze
1993 EMAF Championships Silver
1993 West of England Gold
1993 Atlantic Silver
1994 Southwest Championships Gold
1994 Atlantic Championships Gold
1994 British Team (team captain) Gold
1994 EMAF Championships Silver
1995 14th May 1st Dan with GTI
1995 English Championships Gold
1995 Southwest Championships Gold
1995 EMAF Championships Gold
1995 British Championships Silver
1995 Welsh Championships Silver
1996 27th October 2nd Dan with GTI
1996 Instructors Certificate with the GTI
1996 British Championships Silver
1996 Midlands Championships Silver
1997 British Championships Silver
1997 National Championships Silver
1997 Elite Team Bronze
1998 Umpires certificate with GTI
1998 British Championships Silver
1999 2nd May 3rd Dan with GTI
1999 National Championships Gold

2000 Referees certificate with GTI
2000 National Championships Gold
2000 English Championships Silver
2001 National Championships Gold
2001 English Championships Silver
2001 British Championships Gold
2002 12th May 4th Dan with GTI
2002 National Championships Gold
2002 British Championships Gold
2002 Midlands Championships Gold
2002 English Championships Silver
2002 Southwest Championships Silver
2003 National Championships Gold
2003 British Championships Gold
2003 Midlands Championships Gold
2003 English Championships Gold
2003 Southwest Championships Silver
2004 Midlands Championships Gold
2004 World Championships Gold
2005 29th Oct 5thDan BNMAA/Official Grade
2005 29th October awarded certificate by BNMAA for dedication and commitment
2005 12th November First Aid certificate with Truro College
2008 Paediatric First Aid St Johns
2009 Promoted the 6th Dan Taekwondo