Instructors

Our Instructors

Sidekicks’ Taekwondo instructor takes tremendous commitment and many hours of training. All Sidekicks Taekwondo instructors are trained under Grand Master McDowell’s direct supervision. Sidekicks is a martial arts school where students can reach their goals through the ranks. On testing days, you’ll see the instructors and junior instructors supporting students as they are graded for their rank promotions.

Maintaining an instructor certification is an ongoing process in the Sidekicks Taekwondo martial arts training. It involves ongoing educational and annual certification renewal. Sidekicks ‘ instructors are required to maintain first aid certification. They also take part in continuing education and progressive learning in teaching concepts. Our instructors are skilled and experienced at teaching all levels of students.

Jamaica Sidekicks Instructors

Grand Master Delroy McDowell – Montego Bay
Master Jason Gordon – Kingston
Master Phillip McDowell – Montego Bay
Sabumnim Hilton Rodgers – Spanish Town
Sabumnim Philip Lynch – Kingston
Sabum Kimberley McDowell – Montego Bay
Sabum Hushain Dawson – Kingston

Delroy McDowell

7th Degree Black Belt
Grandmaster McDowell started his journey in martial arts through self-training with a martial arts book, “Mastering Karate,” by Masutasu Oyama, more commonly known as Mas Oyama. Practical home training with friends took on an informal training activity studying the “Kyokushin” form of karate. After flirting with other martial arts disciplines, surprisingly, it was Taekwondo that was to win Master McDowell’s lasting love and loyalty. He officially started learning the discipline of Taekwondo under the leadership of Garth “Noel” King. Through a system where rank was hard won, he was awarded the coveted Black Belt. This played a great part in shaping his character.
Master McDowell met Grand Master Orange on one of his sojourns to Jamaica, and indeed, they connected; subsequently, he decided to follow under his tutelage. Everyone who has known Master McDowell was impressed by his prowess in the discipline he honed through years of dedicated physical and mental training. He has spent most of his time teaching, giving back what he has learned from living with perseverance and the indomitable spirit of Taekwondo.

Jason Gordon

6th Degree Black Belt
Jason Gordon, a 5th-degree black belt, is a chartered accountant, an auditor, and a former manager at KPMG, a globally renowned audit firm. He is a graduate of the University of the West Indies. He has been studying the art of Taekwondo for over 15 years.
He began his martial arts training at the Kingston YMCA under Sabumnim Delroy McDowell and Sabum Vernon Harris, who has now migrated to the United States. He has maintained his training over the years and has continued to support the Taekwondo organization.
Mr. Gordon is one of the volunteer instructors at the Kingston YMCA Branch and is the instructor at the Kids of Vision Preparatory School. Mr. Gordon shows his passion for children and love through his love for teaching. He is also currently the Taekwondo school secretary.
Mr. Gordon is married and is the proud father of 3 children.

Phillip McDowell

6th Degree Black Belt
He is a 5th-degree black belt at Sidekicks Taekwondo. He is the second-oldest son of Grand Master Delroy McDowell. Phillip McDowell has been studying the art of Taekwondo since 1989 at the tender age of 4.
He is a qualified accountant, having completed his ACCA examinations, and was formerly employed at KPMG. He is a graduate of St. Catherine High School and the University of the West Indies Mona Campus. With his love and passion for Taekwondo, he followed in his father’s footsteps to become an instructor in 2002.
Mr. McDowell, just like his brother Kevin, is a strong competitor in the martial arts local competition (see article) in forms and sparring.
Mr. McDowell is another volunteer instructor of the Kingston YMCA and also the instructor for the Spanish Town Taekwondo Branch and the St. Jago High School Programme. He is currently a member of the Sidekicks’ Board of Directors and holds the position of Treasurer.
Mr. Phillip McDowell is married to Kimberley McDowell, nee Gordon, 3rd Degree Black Belt and instructor of the Montego Bay Sidekicks Branch.

Hylton Rodgers

4th Degree Black Belt

Kimberley McDowell

3rd Degree Black Belt

Hushain Dawson

2nd Degree Black Belt