Remarkable Harrogate sporting club praises its 'inspirational' master after royal honour
A remarkable sporting club in Harrogate founded by an international martial arts master has talked of its pride after he was recognised in the New Year’s Honours.
Member of the Harrogate K.R. Ali Taekwondo Academy said the awarding of an MBE to Master Kambiz in recognition of his services to Taekwondo followed a life of “dedication, coaching excellence and commitment to community development”.
Master Kambiz R. Ali had started his Taekwondo journey in Iran nearly 30 years ago before moving to Harrogate where he has proven an inspirational force.
What the club says
"Master Kambiz, a 7th Dan Black Belt, founded Harrogate K.R. Ali Taekwondo Academy in 2005 and has played a significant role in the development of Taekwondo locally, nationally, and internationally.
"The award will be formally conferred by His Majesty The King.
"In 2015, Master Kambiz travelled to Seoul on behalf of the Mayor of Harrogate to attend the official opening of Harrogate Road in Seoul, helping to strengthen cultural and sporting links between the two cities.
"His contributions to the sport include organising the first Harrogate Mayor’s Cup International Poomsae Championships in 2016, a landmark event for the town.
"Under his leadership, members of Harrogate K.R. Ali Taekwondo Academy later won the Overall National Poomsae Championship title in Nottingham.
"In 2024, Master Kambiz achieved second place at the World Taekwondo Hanmadang Championships in South Korea, underlining his continued success and standing at international level.
"More recently, in 2025, he took on the prestigious responsibility of serving as Chief Referee for the British National Poomsae Championships, held at Nottingham University.
"The event involved 50 referees, including 30 international referees, and was widely regarded as a highly successful championship.
"The honour recognises Master Kambiz’s long-standing dedication, coaching excellence, and commitment to community development, as well as the positive impact he has had on generations of practitioners through the promotion of discipline, respect, and personal development.
"British Taekwondo has congratulated Master Kambiz on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition, which reflects both his personal achievements and the positive influence of Taekwondo within the Harrogate community."
Aaron Leith, Admin, K.R.Ali Taekwondo Academy