Yesterday, I got asked to answer a series of questions relating to my journey in Taekwondo. I have just finished answering them tonight, and I’ve been told they will be displayed on the United Taekwondo website with the rest of the Instructors in the club.
I thought I would share what I wrote.
Kooringal / Riverina Region
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
Martial Arts has always fascinated me, I started Taekwondo when I was in Primary School back in 1996. My parents got me into it because they thought a bit of self-discipline would do me good.
Why so serious?
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
My First Dan grading would have definitely been a highlight as I remembered it being tough for me to gain the confidence to grade. Another highlight was when I won my first sparring competition, I remember feeling really exhausted but very proud when receiving my trophy.
Also moving to Wagga Wagga and becoming instructor for Kooringal branch; Seeing the students improve as Taekwondo martial artists is a highlight for me at every training session.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I remember I had been training hard, doing five to six classes a week, some of my actual grading was a blur however I do remember completing all my patterns successfully as well as performing a self-defence choreograph with martial art weapons such as the Jo with several senior black belts, which took me 6 months to develop prior to grading. When it came to board breaks and tile breaking, I was able to overcome my nerves to break six stacked tiles which I thought I’d never be able to achieve at 15yrs, encouragement from everyone in the Dojang had helped.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
Three nights a week, if I had the time I would train more!
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
I love all spinning and jumping kicks, however my favourites would have to be Jumping back kick and spinning heel kick, both kicks look amazing when executed well.
What are your personal goals for the future?
High enough?
For 2012, to keep United Taekwondo in Wagga Wagga alive and kicking!
Your favourite saying and what this means?
Back to Basics – depending on the context, means getting back to the core or essence of what is being taught.
Nothing succeeds like success – means expressing the idea that success breeds further success.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Train Hard. Do your best. Eyes and ears open, listening to the instructor.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
Again? Whats with this guy and kicking above his head?
Learning other martial arts, Blogging, Gaming, Paintball, Eating… Nothing better than eating!
Favourite movie(s) and why?
The Matrix movies for their unrealistic fighting scenes and also because of the scene where Neo learns Jujitsu. Come on! Who doesn’t want to learn Jujitsu in under 10 seconds? That would be amazing.
How to train your dragon (Hiccup is funny…I don’t care if it’s a kids movie, its awesome!)
Any horror movie, I’m a horror fanatic!
Favourite food?
Fruits…I like Mangos
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Hopefully still kicking, punching and instructing, I consider Taekwondo as a learning journey, I’m always learning something new, doesn’t matter whether its from the students or more experienced black belts, there is always something more to learn.
This will be found on the United Taekwondo Website. If your interested in starting Taekwondo and live in Australia, please don’t hesitate to contact me or United Taekwondo 
