Tyneside soldier Anthony Tate was a top official at the Army's martial arts championships, in Aldershot, Hampshire.
Mr Tate, 38, a warrant officer in the Life Guards, is a former Army tae kwondo champion, and captain of the Army team.
He said: "I took up the sport ten years ago, but I'd had an interest in martial arts since watching the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon as a child. I train about twice a week.
"I decided not to compete this year because it's time for others to move in. It's good to see others doing well, and I don't think that I could beat them."
Mr Tate joined the Army in 1978. He has served in Cyprus, Egypt, Canada, the USA, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
He is married to Louise and they have two children, Mark, 13, and Jessica, 11.
His parents Roy and Edith live in West Boldon, South Tyneside.
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