Direct Lineage to First Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha
Widely known as “First Grandmaster Rhee,” he was promoted to 9th Degree Grandmaster at the ITF Congress in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on 2nd July 1997. He was one of the 12 original masters of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association, remained loyal to General Choi Hong Hi and the ITF, and was described by General Choi as the “best ever student of Taekwon-Do.” “Nearly 60 years of Taekwon-Do heritage in the UK”
He played a major role in establishing Taekwon-Do across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, and has promoted tens of thousands of students over the decades. That means our students do not just train in a local martial arts school — they train in a school linked directly to one of the most important figures in British Taekwon-Do history.
For our students and families, that means authentic teaching, trusted standards, and a school proud to pass on real Taekwon-Do heritage in a modern, welcoming environment.
Classes for Pre-School ages 2–4, Kids P1–P3, Juniors P4–P7, Teens S1+ and Adults 18+. Train up to six days a week — choose the sessions that suit your routine.
About Dowden’s Martial Arts
Dowden’s Martial Arts is a welcoming, family-focused Taekwon-Do school in Whitburn. We help children, teens and adults build confidence, improve fitness and develop valuable life skills through high-quality martial arts training in a supportive environment.
More than just a martial arts club
At DMA, we believe martial arts should do more than teach technique.
It should help children become more confident, focused and resilient. It should give teens structure, self-belief and positive role models. And it should help adults get fitter, stronger and mentally sharper in a supportive environment.
We are proud to be a school that develops people, not just martial artists.
Our mission
Our mission is simple: to build champions for life.
That means helping every student grow in confidence, character and ability through high-quality Taekwon-Do training. We want the lessons learned in class — respect, self-control, perseverance, resilience and effort — to carry into home, school, work and everyday life.
What makes DMA different
DMA is built around strong values, professional standards and a real sense of community.
We aim to create an environment where students feel supported, encouraged and proud of their progress. Beginners are welcomed properly, effort is recognised, and every student is given clear goals to work toward.
Our school is designed to help students stay consistent, enjoy their training and become part of something positive.
Programmes for every stage
Pre-School — Ages 2–4
Fun, supportive classes that help young children improve listening, balance, coordination and confidence through movement and simple martial arts activities.
Kids — P1–P3
Energetic, structured classes that develop focus, confidence, coordination, teamwork and positive learning habits.
Juniors — P4–P7
A positive programme that builds confidence, discipline, resilience, respect, self-control and teamwork.
Teens — S1+
Friendly, beginner-welcoming classes that develop fitness, confidence, martial arts skills and practical self-defence.
Students train at their own pace, build discipline and resilience, and develop real skills in a supportive community with no ego, no judgement and no pressure.
Adults — 18+
Friendly, structured classes that help adults improve fitness, confidence and practical self-defence in a supportive environment.
Ideal for beginners, busy adults and those in their 30s, 40s and 50s who want to get fitter, reduce stress and learn new skills at their own pace.
Why families choose us
Families choose DMA because they want more than just an activity.
They want a place where their child can grow in confidence. They want strong values and positive role models. They want structure, encouragement and a sense of belonging. And they want a school that genuinely cares about helping people improve.
For adults, DMA offers something just as valuable — a positive place to train, get fitter, reduce stress and challenge yourself without feeling out of place.
A place to belong
At DMA, we want every student and every family to feel welcome from day one.
We work hard to create a positive atmosphere where children, teens and adults can learn, improve and enjoy training together. It is not just about belts and grades — it is about confidence, friendships, progress and being part of something worthwhile.
Ready to get started?
Whether you are looking for confidence-building classes for your child, a positive activity for your teen, or a welcoming place to train as an adult, we would love to welcome you to DMA.
Come and try a Free Week Trial and see what makes Dowden’s Martial Arts special.