Lincolnshire martial arts instructor nominated for national award
A Lincolnshire martial arts instructor has been nominated for a prestigious UK Coaching award in recognition of his work championing inclusivity for older adults.
Mark Bigger, 58 and head instructor of North Hykeham Tae Kwon Do (NHTKD), has been announced as a finalist for the UK Coaching Community Coach of the Year – Adults Award sponsored by BADU. The awardrecognises those who support people of all abilities to stay active and engaged.
Mark opened NHTKD in 2011 with a simple goal: to make martial arts accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. He began training in Tae Kwon Do in 2001 and is passionate about sharing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits he has experienced himself.
Earlier this year, he launched ‘senior’ sessions to support older adults in staying active, preventing chronic illness, and to create new community connections. Many of the adults who attend are either veterans or carers, and these sessions, along with the social side that follows, provide space and time for challenging feelings and emotions to be heard and validated.
Mark’s commitment to feedback-informed practice, clear communication and continuous development ensures everyone feels seen, heard and supported. At NHTKD, it’s not just about martial arts – it's about friendship, resilience and lifelong wellbeing.
The UK Coaching Awards is regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community, established to recognise the invaluable role coaches play in building a happier and healthier society.
Previous award winners include Judy Murray and Aston Moore (Lifetime Achievement award), Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman (Great Coaching Moment of the Year), and the coaches behind Lucy Bronze and Katarina Johnson-Thompson's path to success (Coaching Chain award).
UK Coaching’s CEO, Mark Gannon, reflecting on the breadth of coaching talent announced as this year’s finalists, added: “We are excited to announce the finalists of the 2025 UK Coaching Awards. Each year, we recognise some truly remarkable coaches from across the UK at every level, and it is always a challenge to select our finalists from an incredible group of nominations.
“Coaches across the nation can all be proud of the valuable contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of the nation.
“Following a phenomenal summer of women’s sport this year, there has never been a better time to celebrate coaches who make it all happen.”
The awards will be held on December 4th at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.
Find out more about this year’s finalists and the awards by heading to www.ukcoaching.org/events/our-awards.