"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
25 Mar 2025
The world is no stranger to young prodigies breaking records and dazzling audiences with their incredible skills. From breathtaking gymnastics to mind-blowing musical performances, talented kids continue to redefine limits. One such rising star is Samyuktha Narayanan, a seven-year-old from Madurai, India, who has now etched her name in history as the youngest Taekwondo instructor ever, certified by the Guinness World Records (GWR).
Samyuktha’s journey in Taekwondo began at just three years old, following in the footsteps of her parents, Shruthy and Narayanan, who run the Madurai Taekwondo Academy. Martial arts are in her blood—both of her parents are Guinness World Record holders themselves!
Her father, Narayanan, holds multiple records, including the most marble slabs broken with a single kick (7) and most flaming concrete blocks broken in 30 seconds (29). Her mother, Shruthy, was the first female to clinch the record for the most full-contact elbow strikes in one minute using alternate elbows. With such an inspiring background, it was only a matter of time before Samyuktha set her own milestone!
On January 20, 2024, at just seven years and 270 days old, Samyuktha officially became the world’s youngest Taekwondo instructor.
The Guinness World Records Instagram post celebrating her achievement went viral, featuring photos of the young champion in action.
The internet community was quick to shower praise and admiration. “Heartiest congratulations, Samyuktha! Your determination and hard work are truly inspiring,” wrote one user. Another commented, “She is an inspiration for aspiring martial artists! Kudos to her parents for their incredible upbringing.”
Samyuktha’s motivation to break a world record was deeply personal. Speaking to GWR, she revealed, “My biggest inspirations are my parents. I used to admire the Guinness World Records certificates hanging on the walls at home. It was my dream to achieve my own title and hang my certificate right next to theirs.”
And she did just that! Her accomplishment has made her a star in her hometown. “After I achieved my GWR title, I received appreciation from my friends, family, and teachers. Seeing my photos in newspapers and on TV made me feel like a celebrity!” she said excitedly.
Becoming the youngest Taekwondo instructor was no easy feat. To earn her black belt, Samyuktha had to push herself beyond limits. Her training routine included running 5 km, intense workouts, and mastering the entire Taekwondo syllabus. Despite being the youngest in her batch, she proved her mettle and achieved her black belt certification from the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea.
Samyuktha’s journey is proof that age is no barrier to success. As she continues to train and inspire others, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning of an incredible journey for this young martial artist!