Master Richard Saunders

7th Degree Black Belt - Chief Instructor & Owner

Meet our chief instructor and find out why you’re in the best possible hands when it comes to Taekwondo

World Master Richard Saunders has been teaching Taekwondo in Wirral and Chester since 1994 and his schools have become a key part of the communities they serve.

Master Saunders is a 7th degree black in Taekwondo and has been studying Martial arts for over 35 years. He has been fortunate enough to travel the world expanding his knowledge on martial arts to pass on to his students. In the 25 years of teaching he’s helped over 400 students obtain a Black Belts, coached many students through competitions and they’ve gained local, national and world titles. He is to date the only martial instructor to have a student win the Merseyside Sports awards and his club has recently been awarded Wirral Sports forum club of the Year 2019.

Master Saunders himself was awarded the TAGB instructor of the year, highlighting his dedication and passion to teaching taekwondo. He is truly passionate about Martial Arts and his vision is to help as many students as possible to enjoy and benefit from what Taekwondo has to offer.

Master Saunders has a dedicated team of instructors who he coaches regularly to ensure his high standards of teaching are met. Which is why Universal Taekwondo Academies is a highly regarded club.

Mrs Jane Saunders

3rd Degree Black Belt - Club Manager & Owner

Mrs Saunders has been practicing Taekwondo for over 10 years and supports her husband, Master Saunders, in running the club full-time.

Mrs Tina Hughes

3rd Degree Black Belt - Ninja and Taekwondo Instructor

Miss Tina (or Mrs Hughes) is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has worked with the club for 5 years. She's leads the ninja programme and is brilliant with the kids

Mr Nathan Saunders

2nd Degree Black Belt -Instructor

Mr Nathan Saunders is a 2nd degree Black Belt and multiple world champion. He's trained since the tender age of 3 years old and was one of the youngest Black Belts at the age of 7. Nathan has competed nationally and internationally consistently winning his divisions for both patterns and sparring.

Miss Lily Tollerton

3rd Degree Black Belt - Instructor

Lily has been training at UTA since the tender age of 7 and is now one of our talented instructors! Lily is study Sports and Exercise Science at John Moores University in Liverpool and teaches across our Ninjas to adults classes through the week.

Mr Rob Hallwood

5th Degree Black Belt - Instructor

Rob is a strong competitor winning multiple titles across the national and international circuit. Having training for many years to reach 5th Dan, Rob brings a wealth of experience to our main classes. He also coaches the One Martial Arts (OMA) Squad.

Mr David Salisbury

2nd Degree Black Belt - Instructor

Dave is an extremely passionate and dedicated practitioner of Taekwondo. He regularly supports Tina teaching the inclusive classes, as well as our Mencap students.

Mr Jay Thompson

3rd Degree Black Belt - Judo Instructor

Judo Jay, is an extremely passionate Judo coach and he's classes have been going from strength to strength. Having trained for many years his knowledge is second to non and you're in great hands with Jay