Meet
Master Sammy
One of the UK's most qualified taekwondo instructors. 25+ years teaching. Three London dojos. Every class taught personally — never by an assistant.
25 Years. One Standard.
Master Sammy Shajirat founded Karoon Taekwondo Academy after two and a half decades of competitive and instructional taekwondo at the highest levels. He holds a 7th Dan Black Belt — recognised by both British Taekwondo and Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
What sets Karoon apart from other London clubs isn't just the credentials — it's the commitment. Every class across all three venues is taught by Master Sammy personally. Not handed off to a junior coach after the first few months. Not covered by an assistant when the head instructor has other commitments. Every session, every student.
Master Sammy's teaching spans juniors from age 5 through to senior adults, competitive athletes at national level, students with SEND and complex needs, and adults returning to martial arts after years away.
The One-Instructor Model
Most taekwondo academies grow by adding junior coaches — assistants who take over classes while the head instructor manages the business. Karoon doesn't work that way.
Master Sammy believes the relationship between student and instructor is fundamental to learning. He knows your name, your starting point, your weaknesses, and your targets. That consistency is what creates real progress.
Three venues. One instructor. The same standard at every session.
Master Sammy's Full
Credential Record
Recognised by British Taekwondo and Kukkiwon. One of the highest active instructor grades in the UK.
World Taekwondo Headquarters, Seoul, South Korea. The global standard for Olympic taekwondo instruction.
Qualified to coach competitive Poomsae (forms) at national level. Students trained for regional and national competition.
British Taekwondo qualified sparring coach. Trained students for regional competition and international pathways.
Formal coaching qualification in boxing and practical self-defence — the foundation of the MMA/Self-Defence programme.
Accredited fitness coaching qualification, integrated into class programming for physical development alongside technique.
Qualified to coach students with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety, and other additional needs. Experienced with adapted session structures.
Current first aid certification. Every session is covered. Student safety is non-negotiable.
Fully DBS enhanced checked and cleared to work with children. Renewed on schedule.
Full member of the British Taekwondo governing body. Club registered and compliant with all safeguarding requirements.
How Master Sammy
Teaches
Root Cause First
Before correcting a technique, Master Sammy identifies why it's wrong. Bad form usually has a mechanical root — stance, weight distribution, timing — and fixing the root corrects the symptom. Students stop making the same mistakes.
Respect Without Fear
Discipline is enforced. Etiquette is non-negotiable. But the training environment is warm, supportive, and never intimidating. Nervous beginners — children or adults — are brought in gradually at their own pace.
Long-Term Over Short-Term
Belts are earned, not given. Grading happens when a student is ready — not on a fixed schedule. Master Sammy's students leave as technically proficient martial artists, not certificate collectors.
"I've trained under three different taekwondo instructors over the years. Master Sammy is categorically on another level — technically, in terms of attention to detail, and in terms of how he builds a class culture. My daughter has trained here for two years and I wouldn't take her anywhere else."
Train With Master Sammy
Three London venues. First session free. No commitment.
Book Your First Session