Harrogate Taekwondo master awarded MBE by Princess Anne for decades of dedication to sport and community
A leading figure in Harrogate’s martial arts community has been honoured after receiving an MBE for his decades of dedication to Taekwondo and sport in the town.
Kambiz R. Ali, a 7th Dan Taekwondo master and founder of Harrogate KTA, travelled to Windsor Castle on Tuesday (March 10) to attend an investiture ceremony after being named in the 2026 New Year Honours.
During the ceremony, Master Ali was presented with his MBE insignia by Princess Anne in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the sport of Taekwondo and his work within the Harrogate community.
He attended the special occasion accompanied by his daughter, Gazell, and one of his students from Harrogate KTA, Aaron Leith.
Arriving early on Tuesday morning, the group were greeted by Royal stewards and escorted to the castle’s historic Waterloo Chamber where the ceremony took place.
Following a brief exchange, Princess Anne formally presented the honour to Master Ali, marking a proud moment for the Harrogate martial arts instructor and the club he founded.
Speaking after the ceremony, Master Ali said: “I simply cannot express the honour, joy and gratitude I feel at this moment.
"It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the Royal Family for the work I have dedicated to over many years.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported not only me, but also my academy and our community.
"While I am incredibly honoured by this award, I remain truly humbled and thankful to all those at home, across the UK and overseas who continue to support our club and activities.”
Despite the major recognition, Master Ali and his team at Harrogate KTA are continuing with a busy schedule of events.
They are currently preparing to host the fifth online Kyonggi University Open Poomsae Championships, an international event organised in collaboration with Kyonggi University in South Korea. The online competition is expected to attract around 200 to 250 athletes from roughly 30 countries.
Closer to home, preparations are also under way for the 10th edition of Harrogate’s own Taekwondo championships – Mayor Cup Poomsae Open.
The event is scheduled to take place at Ashville Sports Centre and is expected to bring between 300 and 350 competitors from across the UK and Europe to the town.
Following the Harrogate tournament, Master Ali will travel to North Macedonia to officiate as an international referee representing Great Britain at the 2026 WT Skopje Open Ramus event in Skopje.
For more information about K.R.Ali Taekwondo Academy, visit https://harrogatetaekwondo.co.uk/