11/06/2026
I've been trying to decide whether to put fingers to keyboard today.
Today would have been Mr Evans' 50th birthday.
Read that again.
50.
It's a day of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for all of us in P.U.M.A.
Mr Evans was quite simply one of the fittest, toughest, and most dedicated people I have ever had the privilege to know.
So many of us—particularly those from Chepstow Taekwon-do, our adult students, and those fortunate enough to attend Summer Camps—carry memories of Mr Evans with us.
Whether he was teaching on camp, delivering one of his incredible movement-based P.U.M.A. Day seminars, or simply sharing his passion for Taekwon-Do, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Two years on, I still find it difficult walking into competitions and not hearing that familiar greeting:
*"Morning Tom, how are you?"*
Mr Evans would already be busy, moving from ring to ring, checking the countless rosters he had organised to ensure the day ran smoothly.
No matter how much he had going on, he always made time for people.
He always made time for me.
I genuinely treasured every conversation we had.
As an instructor and school owner, I am fortunate enough to be invited into the room when Black Belt gradings take place, even when the students aren't my own. When Mr Evans graded for his VI Degree, I knew I wanted to be there. I knew I would witness something inspiring.
And I did.
The last time I ever saw Mr Evans, he was smiling. Performing one-step sparring. Giving everything. Demonstrating the skill, athleticism, and joy that defined him. If memory serves, it involved him leaping into the air and delivering an elbow strike on the way down—something only Mr Evans could make look completely natural.
What an honour it was to witness that moment.
A moment of happiness.
A moment of mastery.
A moment from a man who loved Taekwon-Do and loved P.U.M.A.
Tragically, Mr Evans fell ill that evening and never recovered.
Today, on what would have been his 50th birthday, our thoughts are with his wife, his children, his family, friends, colleagues, students, and everyone whose life was touched by him.
We remember his school, his students, his wider contribution to P.U.M.A., and the countless people he inspired through his teaching, leadership, and example.
Some people leave behind memories.
Others leave behind a legacy.
Mr Evans left both.
Our lives are richer for having known him, and poorer for having lost him.
He is missed beyond words, remembered with enormous affection, and will forever remain part of the fabric of P.U.M.A.
Happy 50th Birthday, Mr Evans.
You are remembered. You are missed. And you will never be forgotten.