As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate the autistic community, we are expanding our popular ’10 Questions With…’ series to highlight disability sport providers, clubs, or individuals who have made their mark in sports in and around Manchester. In this Sporting Life interview, we catch up with Lindsey Machen, a taekwondo teacher who won gold at the 2022 Taekwondo English Championships.
1. What inspired you to start practicing Taekwondo at the age of 8?
I was captivated by the martial arts movie Best of the Best, starring Eric Roberts. The discipline, strength, and spirit showcased in the film hooked me instantly, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that world.
2. How did achieving a black belt at age 12 influence your early life and development?
Earning my black belt at such a young age provided me with a strong foundation of structure, stability, and a sense of belonging. It instilled in me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and being part of a supportive community.
3. Can you describe the period in your teenage years when you lost your passion for structure and routine?
During my teenage years, I struggled with feeling different and not fully understanding why. Coming out as a gay woman at a young age in a less accepting society was challenging. This led me to become introverted, seeking comfort in food and alcohol as I navigated my identity.
4. What was the turning point that motivated you to restart Taekwondo at age 30?
About a year before I returned to Taekwondo, I was encouraged to start going to the gym. As I lost weight and regained my confidence, I realised I had unfinished business with Taekwondo. The regret of giving it up never left me, so I decided to reignite my passion.
5. What were some of the challenges you faced in working your way back to a black belt after restarting Taekwondo?
Surprisingly, I didn’t find the journey back to a black belt challenging because I truly love Taekwondo. Teaching and practicing it brings me immense joy. I’m now a 3rd Dan and an instructor, and I take pride in sharing my passion with others.
6. How did setting up your own Taekwondo club in West Yorkshire fulfil a lifelong dream?
Teaching Taekwondo not only deepens my understanding of the art but also allows me to share its benefits with others. Establishing my own club was a dream come true, as it gave me the opportunity to show people how transformative Taekwondo can be.
7. What new fitness and self-improvement methods did you discover during the lockdown in Manchester?
During the lockdown, I met my coaches, Natalie Constanti and Michael Dean. Michael, who is both my Taekwondo instructor and a fitness coach, introduced me to various training techniques that benefit both mental and physical well-being, broadening my approach to fitness.
8. How did becoming the Taekwondo English Champion and winning Gold at the 2022 English Championships impact your career?
Winning Gold at the 2022 English Championships was a personal achievement that I had been striving for since earning my black belt. While it didn’t directly impact my career, it was a rewarding milestone in my competitive journey, especially at such a high level.
9. What does it mean to you to be a 3rd degree black belt and a registered BTC & TAGB Taekwondo instructor?
Being a 3rd degree black belt and a registered BTC & TAGB instructor is a source of immense pride. My autistic traits—such as attention to detail, focus, discipline, and structure—have contributed to my success in martial arts, making it the perfect path for me.
10. How do you combine your Taekwondo and fitness experience to create unique workout programs for others?
I created the MartialFitFusion workout, which blends Taekwondo self-defence and counter-attacking techniques with bodyweight exercises. This fusion offers a comprehensive, full-body workout that enhances both physical fitness and self-defence skills.
If you are a sporting provider or someone who have made their mark in sport and are interested in taking part in a Sporting Life interview, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk
