As part of Caden Cunningham’s ambassador role with AP, we wanted to help him create something that would leave a legacy. We gave Caden the opportunity to donate a fully equipped gym to a taekwondo club of his choice, a way to give back to the community that helped shape him and to leave a legacy that will support future athletes for decades to come.
Giving back to where it all began
Caden’s decision was instant, “I just knew it had to be Quest”. Founded in 1988 by Mike McKenzie (7th Dan), Quest Taekwondo Centre in Penistone has grown into one of the UK’s most respected taekwondo clubs. Caden joined Quest at just 11 years old, having trained elsewhere previously. From day one, Mike and the Quest team challenged him to refine his technique, build discipline, and unlock his full potential as a taekwondo athlete.
An amazing facility led by even more amazing people.
The lessons learned on those mats helped shape the mindset that would eventually carry him onto the Olympic stage. Offering this gym back to Quest is Caden’s way of giving back and to say thank you for the dedication and support shown to him over the years.
A space built for performance
Set within a 200m² training area, alongside existing taekwondo mats and cardio equipment, we transformed the space by installing quality, durable flooring and strength and conditioning equipment tailored to the demands of taekwondo.
By adding this equipment, Mike and the Quest coaching team can now integrate structured strength training alongside technical taekwondo practice, helping students with their full athletic development.
Where strength meets mat
To create a safe and durable training environment, 30mm solid rubber flooring was installed throughout the gym area. Each piece of equipment was selected to support functional strength and athletic development specific to taekwondo training.
The gym is centred around a Kingsbox Double CX37 with dual adjustable pulleys with 120kg stacks and integrated storage, alongside a Werksan squat stand. These are complemented by rubber competition plates, black bumper plates and both 7ft and 6ft Olympic bars.
The space also includes a selection of APEX kettlebells, wall balls, a battle rope, a flat bench and an APEX adjustable super bench, giving Quest athletes the tools to build strength and stability to support their performance on the mat.
A lasting impact
This gym installation represents a long-term investment in Quest Taekwondo Centre’s future, creating opportunities for every age group within the club, from young beginners to experienced athletes. By introducing strong training practices from an early age, the gym will help students build habits and confidence that will support them throughout their taekwondo journey.
Not only that, the new gym will strengthen the club’s offering, making Quest Taekwondo an even more attractive place to train and grow, something that might not have been possible without this extraordinary support.
From morning through to evening, whatever could work, did work and that’s why this gym is amazing for them to have.
Above all, this gym stands as a lasting legacy of giving back. We’re proud to have played a part in helping Caden return to where it all began, bringing his journey full circle by transforming the support he once received from Quest into something that will continue to inspire and support the community for generations to come.
