Nicaraguan Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson came to Taiwan to study at his mother’s suggestion, and now works as a full-time martial arts instructor. With international certification, Machado Hodgson has opened his own dojang, or training hall, and works with the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Apart from teaching, he also takes a team to compete internationally every year, winning accolades for himself and his students.

After studying for more than 20 years, Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson from Nicaragua is a fourth dan black belt and Taekwondo instructor with global standing. He now teaches at his own dojang and promotes the sport through the International Taekwon-Do Federation, or ITF. Traditional Taekwondo teaches mental fortitude and technique through forms, sparring and self-defense.

Machado Hodgson, who serves as chair of the ITF’s Chinese Taipei Association, teaches all ages in order to show more people the skill and beauty of Taekwondo. He often organizes international exchanges to learn through observation, and tests his students’ skills through open competitions. In 2023, he brought nine competitors to the ITF’s Third Open in Malaysia, winning eight gold, five silver and five bronze medals.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
We were so happy when we got back because we made it this far. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win, it doesn’t matter the result. The experience is what’s important.

This past Lunar New Year, Machado Hodgson competed in the WAKO India Open kickboxing tournament organized by the Chinese Taipei Association, again earning great results.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
I competed in three categories. In Point Fighting I got third place, and I got first place in Kick Light.

At 19, Machado Hodgson came to Taiwan to study at his mother’s urging. He planned to go back to Nicaragua after graduating, but after finding a partner decided to stay and build his dream career. The day of his departure kept getting pushed back, as his dreams kept altering his plans. Hodgson says that some things in life must be decided on the spot. He plans to train more martial artists and referees to keep the tradition of Taekwondo alive.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
Taekwondo is a way of life. You can do it forever. It can improve your physical and mental health. So my dream is to train not only students, but also other coaches, so that anyone with an interest can teach.

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