Taekwondo Triumph
Member Nikko Adam credits martial arts for teaching him the discipline and relentless effort needed to achieve his goals.
It all started at a kindergarten in Shanghai. Six-year-old Nikko Adam took his first taekwondo class and set off on a journey that would shape his life and eventually lead him to the Club.
Now 17, Adam is a force to be reckoned with in the world of taekwondo. In September 2023, he became the first Member to receive a black belt in the martial art form through the Club’s program.
It wasn’t his first. Adam is the only Member so far to receive a black belt in two disciplines through the program. He pursued gojuryu karate for eight years and achieved shodan ranking in 2021 after being inspired by his mother Kay, herself a black belt in karate.
Comparing the two disciplines, Adam says he appreciates the creativity of taekwondo over the gojuryu regimen of wide, sweeping blocks and grapples. “While karate is more about discipline, taekwondo lets you kind of grow into yourself. You have a lot of room to operate, and you can really become a martial artist from that.”
The Club’s taekwondo program has been instrumental in Adam’s development. It provided a nurturing environment for his training, supporting him through various challenges, such as a severe muscle pull that affected his ability to walk in September 2021. Despite that significant hurdle, his commitment remained steadfast. “I still showed up and did what I could, because just showing up is better than not,” he stresses.
This resilience was crucial as Adam prepared for his black belt test. Despite re-injuring himself toward the end of 2022, he persevered and succeeded the following year. “I was injury-free and ready to do it,” he reflects. “Sometimes, you’re unmotivated and have to rely on your discipline. Because I want to be the best version of myself, I will do everything I can to become that. And the best version of yourself means doing what you need to do, regardless of how you feel.”
Adam’s martial arts training has profoundly influenced his approach to life and taught him principles that have been integral to his academic and personal development. “When you’re training with others, you need to respect one another,” he says. “You’re learning to defend yourself, and accidents can happen, so it’s very important to keep in mind that people have different skill levels. It’s sort of a mix of self-awareness, self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others.”
Currently at Charterhouse boarding school in Surrey, UK, Adam maintains his martial arts skills by using a punching bag several times a week and aspires to explore Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. Academically, he aims for a degree in engineering, particularly in the automotive sector. A passion for cars has set his eyes on working in the industry and even starting his own business one day.
Heading into university, Adam maintains his commitment to personal growth, striving to excel not only in martial arts but also in various aspects of life. And the Club, he notes, has been instrumental in his ambitions and success.
For more information on the Club’s martial arts programs, visit the Club website.
Words: Lisa Wallin
Image of Nikko Adam: Kayo Yamawaki
