In memory of Grandad

Sadly, on 14th March 2023, our beloved Grandad passed away; surrounded by his family at the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Whilst Grandad didn’t train in Tang Soo Do, he was a huge advocate and would attend every Pudsey class and a number of the Denby Dale classes following its opening in 2021. Accordingly, I felt it appropriate to write a piece about Grandad given his love for Tang Soo Do. However, I didn’t want it to be somber or downhearted; Grandad wouldn’t have wanted that. He would want something which would maybe inspire but definitely make people smile.

So, a perfect place to start would be in 2013 and the impending 2015 World Championships which would be held in Malaysia. I was selected to represent Great Britain at the championships, but as a result of my circumstances at the time, was unable to; which was something I was heartbroken about (and regret to this day). Grandad was completely supportive of my decision though and would continually remind me that it was the right thing to do.

The team did amazingly well at the World Championships with Team GB bringing home plenty of Gold and my good friends Ben and Sam winning gold. Once I found out the results, I messaged Grandad straight away. His response: (clears throat)

“Great news. See, I told you they didn’t need you”…….. Cheers Grandad. Something we smiled about frequently (the text was taken out of context as Grandad meant well as always).

If you ever trained in Tang Soo Do, Grandad hugely respected you. He loved the Hyungs and admired everyone’s efforts in performing them (he never had a favourite but always commented on how good Bens Chil Sung Sa Ro was. I think Ben was Grandads favourite student sometimes!). He was also very humbled when people used to say hello to him at events. From gradings, to Northern Championships to the 2018 World Championships, he felt part of the team no matter what class, region or country you represented. He loved that everyone helped and supported each other.

In 2018, he got to travel to watch the World Championships, attending the pre championship meal which he greatly enjoyed. Sitting with some Masters from around the UK he had a quick conversation with Grandmaster Lee, with Grandad joking that no matter how big I was, I’d never be too big for a slap behind the knees, which Grandmaster Lee agreed with.

Grandad was never bothered for accolades or trophies. He just wanted people to enjoy the art, train hard and do their best. “As long as it’s fun that’s all that matters”. To Grandad, trophies and medals were purely material, it was the memories made and experiences along the way that matter. Plus, “you never find a bad person in Tang Soo Do”, which is true.

I will miss Grandad incredibly, but have so many fantastic memories that we shared which I will remember with great fondness. Plus, I got to share news with him that I hope to share with you all later in the year. It meant the world to him and was the one shining moment in a very dark time.

Finally, thank you to all my students and students and teachers of classes across the region and beyond. In an incredibly tough time you have been amazing.

Grandad Frank Wakelin

3rd June 1933 - 14th March 2023