Why Ashbourne Taekwon-Do?
More than training: real confidence, real structure, real progress.
In today’s world, confidence and focus aren’t optional
— they’re essential.
Our core Taekwon-Do classes are where Ashbourne families see the biggest transformation — and they make up the heart of what we do.
Through structured martial arts training in our full-time, purpose-built centre, students develop:
✅ Confidence to speak up and stand tall
✅ Discipline to focus, listen, and follow through
✅ Resilience to keep going when things get tough
For children, this means better behaviour at home, stronger results at school, and the ability to handle life’s challenges with courage.
For adults, it’s a powerful way to improve fitness, sharpen focus, and learn real self-defence in a high-energy, supportive environment.
Led by Head Instructor Paul King — over 30 years in Taekwon-Do, Irish National Team Coach since 2013, and coach to multiple European & World Champions — including:
🥋 Ms Jennifer Lehane, Paris 2024 Olympian & multiple Senior European Champion, who trained in Ashbourne for years
🥋 Ms Sarah Lehane, 2× Senior World Champion + 4× Senior European Champion,
still training under Paul today
With local primary school teachers Katie Moriarty and Maeve Magee leading our junior (ages 4–6) programme, every child gets expert, age-appropriate guidance from day one.
Today’s world is full of distractions — that’s why your child needs confidence, focus, and discipline now.
Our Taekwon-Do classes build strong minds, resilient bodies, and real-life leaders — skills that last a lifetime.
We signed up thinking it would be a great way to keep the kids active — but Ashbourne Taekwon-Do has given them so much more. The confidence, focus, and sense of community they’ve found here is something truly special.”— Aisling K.
How Ashbourne Taekwon-Do Leads
At Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, we go beyond teaching martial arts — we shape champions for life.
🥋 Real Confidence – Watch your child walk taller, speak with pride, and believe in themselves.
📚 Better Focus at School – Improved listening, concentration, and self-control that carry into the classroom.
💪 Resilience for Life – Kids learn to keep going when things get tough —
a skill thatwill serve them forever.
🏆 Proven Champions – Home to Paris 2024 Olympian
Jennifer Lehane and multiple-time World & European Champion Sarah Lehane,
both coached here in Ashbourne.
👩🏫 Trusted by Local Schools – Our junior programme (ages 4–6) is led by local primary school teachers who know exactly how to inspire and guide young students.
🏠 Full-Time Training Centre – A safe, purpose-built space designed for learning, focus, and personal growth.
📅 Join Now for September – Start this term and give your child a confident, successful year.
Asbourne Taekwon-Do Programs
Whether it’s your child’s first step into martial arts or you’re ready to challenge yourself — Ashbourne Taekwon-Do has a class for you.
🥋 TKD Juniors (Ages 4–6)
Fun, beginner-friendly classes that spark confidence early. We build balance, coordination, listening skills, and self-belief — all in a safe, structured, and playful environment.
🥋 Taekwon-Do (Ages 7–12)
Turn energy into focus. Our classes channel enthusiasm into discipline, resilience, and respect — while teaching real martial arts skills in a positive, motivating space.
🥋 Adult Taekwon-Do Classes (18+)
Get fitter, stronger, and more focused — fast. Train in a supportive community, relieve stress, and learn practical self-defence that keeps you confident on and off the mats.
🥋 Inclusive Taekwon-Do
Everyone can train. Adapted sessions focus on ability, building confidence, and creating a strong sense of community where every student belongs.
“Every belt is a milestone — a testament to the effort, resilience, and determination to keep going when it would have been easier to stop.”
Ashbourne Taekwon-Do
What our Members say...
At Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, we don’t just teach kicks and punches — we build confident, disciplined kids ready for life’s challenges.
“Mr. King isn’t just a great instructor — he genuinely connects with every student. Since joining Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, my daughter’s confidence, focus, and self-belief have soared.”
Sarah B., Parent from Ashbourne
"We joined just looking for an activity — but it’s turned into so much more. Under Mr. Paul King’s guidance at Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, my kids have gained confidence, focus, and a real sense of purpose."
Aisling K - Parent from Ashbourne
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“Coach Helen has been amazing with the Inclusive Taekwon-Do group. Her patience, energy, and encouragement have helped my son grow in confidence and ability — both on and off the mats.”
John L., Parent from Ashbourne
“We thought it would just be a fun hobby — but Ashbourne Taekwon-Do has become a huge part of our kids’ lives. The confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging they’ve gained here is incredible.”— James A., Parent from Ashbourne
Meet Ashbourne Taekwon-Do Coaches
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pAUL kING
Paul King began training in Taekwon-Do over 30 years ago under the guidance of Master Stephen Cooley. In 2020, he became the lead instructor at Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, bringing decades of experience and a passion for helping students reach their full potential.
As an Irish National Team Coach since 2013, Paul has guided athletes to success on the world stage while inspiring students of all ages to build confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the mats.
Katie Moriarty
I started Taekwon-Do at eight, training in Ashbourne and Rivervalley. After years of dedication, I earned my Black Belt and began competing internationally in 2012, progressing from Junior to Senior and winning multiple National titles.
Representing Ireland gave me incredible experiences — travelling the world, creating lasting memories, and achieving success on the international stage.
A decade ago, I returned as a coach to give back to the club that shaped me. Today, I proudly lead our Junior Programme with Maeve, guiding children aged 4–6 as they take their first steps in Taekwon-Do.
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Maeve Magee
I began my Taekwon-Do journey at around eight years old, training across both Ashbourne and Rivervalley. After years of dedication, I earned my black belt and began competing internationally in 2012, first at the Junior level and then progressing to Senior. Throughout this time, I secured numerous National titles, which earned me a place on the Irish Taekwon-Do Team.
Representing Ireland brought incredible experiences—traveling the world, making lasting memories, and achieving success on the international stage.
Ten years ago, I began teaching Taekwon-Do to give back to the club that shaped me. Today, I proudly lead our Junior program alongside Maeve, working with children aged 4–6 as they take their first steps in Taekwon-do.
Helen Goodson Finglas - 2nd Degree Black Belt
passionate Taekwon-Do instructor,
and proud founder of Taekwon-Do WARRIORS.
As a senior instructor at Ashbourne Taekwon-Do Club, I lead our Inclusive Classes, creating a place where every student — regardless of ability — can thrive.
A lifelong athlete with over a decade competing in Major League football and Premiership volleyball, I now channel that experience into making martial arts open to all. Trained under Master Stephen Cooley, I hold a Level 6 SNA qualification and am a certified “Train the Trainer” in Inclusion in Sport.
From shadowing Master Cooley to building an Inclusive Team Ireland squad and guiding world champions, my mission is simple: everyone deserves
a place on the mat.
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORs WITH THE IRISH TAEKWON-DO ASSOCIATION (ITA) | GARDA VETTED THROUGH THE NATIONAL VETTING BUREAU | FIRST AID CERTIFIED | TRAINED IN CHILD SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE IN SPORT (SPORT IRELAND)
DESIGNATED LIAISON PERSON (DLP) FOR CHILD PROTECTION | FULLY INSURED UNDER THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR TAEKWON-DO (ITA) DEGREE BLACK BELT AFFILIATED TO THE INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION (ITF) | QUALIFIED ITF INTERNATIONAL UMPIRE (B-CLASS)
“Every session, every challenge, every ounce of effort — it’s forging you into a stronger, more focused, and more confident
version of yourself.”
Ashbourne Taekwon-Do Mindset
Ready to begin?
Give Your Child the Confidence, Discipline, and Focus to Stand Out for Life
At Ashbourne Taekwon-Do, Head Instructor Paul King and our championship-winning coaching team turn shy, distracted kids into confident, motivated achievers — in school,
at home, and on the mats.
Book your first class today — we’ll guide you every step of the way, building real strength, unshakable confidence, and mastery in the art of Taekwon-Do.
