Igniting My Inner Fire Through World Taekwondo

As a dancer, my practice was dancing. Never did I think of myself joining a martial arts practice. However, through some study that I did, where in order to graduate, I was required to take up a practice that would develop a quality that I felt was needed in my life. I explored practices consistent with the four elements—Earth (grounded, structure, logic), Air (sparking of ideas), Water (fluid, flexible), and Fire (clarity and decision-making). For me, I needed Fire: clarity and decision-making around my work.

So I looked around for practices available to me within Adelaide, and it came down to Tango or Taekwondo. I trialed Tango and felt some mild energy, but no deep stirring. Then I trialed World Taekwondo at Blackwood, and this was such a totally different experience. I was so engaged, curious with the exercises and patterns, and I appreciated the respectful relationships with the other students, alongside a strong and dynamic respect for Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

My study course required me to continue a practice for one year; however, I chose to keep attending classes beyond this because I was intrigued and had so much to learn—physically, mentally, personally, and spiritually. The words on the World Taekwondo flag—Power, Morality, Beauty, and Spirit—kept my focus and fed my desire to keep going because I was growing in all parts of me. I was accessing my inner strength and determination, my inner compass, and my inner sense of grace, humility, and respect for myself and for others. In short, I was accessing my inner fire, supported by a very caring and encouraging World Taekwondo community with incredible leadership from Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

The result of this Fire energy practice is that I am ‘on fire’ at work—managing complex and changing systems with a clear mind and a smile; dealing with large and frequently challenging teams. My work ethic is to critically evaluate and act rather than procrastinate. I feel more energized generally, more productive, resilient, and resourceful. I am better equipped to meet other assertive energy.

I am deeply thankful to the World Taekwondo community, firstly to Grand Master Wahid Halimee—it is a gift and honor to be a student of his; secondly, to all the Instructors who have patiently broken down steps for me to learn; and to all the students, particularly the black belts, who have been so generous with their time and teaching. For me, it is the layers of this community that make this practice such a rich experience.

And so, recently I came to see that this will be a lifelong practice for me, which, at one level, is frightening but at another level, is also a friendly challenge that I can meet.

Allegra Stocks - October 14, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

From the 70s to today: My Life Journey in World Taekwondo

My World Taekwondo Journey!

Adelaide in the year 1973 was a very different place from today. It was the era of large hair, hippies, and platform shoes. It was also a time when there was a burgeoning interest in the martial arts. There was an enormous explosion of martial arts films out of Asia, and it seemed that much of society was entranced by the incredible skills displayed in them. It was in that environment that I began my World Taekwondo journey.

Training was basic and simple but very tough. As a young man, I threw myself into it, gaining confidence as I honed my skills through relentless and brutal sessions. There were many occasions when I needed to pull over on my journey home after training to be physically sick, so demanding were the expectations of students in those early days.

The physical training was extremely important. But, just as important were the mental and personal characteristics that underpinned the art. There could be no training without respect, humility, and a desire to overcome all obstacles. The development of personal qualities was just as important as the grooming of technical perfection.

As I immersed myself in my training, my work life was becoming more and more stressful. Training harder was the best answer to relieving that stress. I have learned over many years that, no matter how much you don’t feel like going to training, once you make the effort to be there, all the problems of the day disappear.

It’s as though your World Taekwondo uniform makes you immune to the pressures of the day – it literally gives you wings.

My training continued through the 80s and 90s in Adelaide. As I worked my way through the grades, the challenges of the art made me a dedicated and energetic student. But I began to realize that maturity and deeper understanding of the art of World Taekwondo is rapidly enhanced by undertaking the duties of an instructor. Far from being a duty, it becomes a way of gaining greater knowledge.

So, in 1998 I was appointed as an instructor by my Instructor, Grand Master Wahid Halimee under the watchful guidance of Master Carol Halimee. I know I made many mistakes in those early days, but as my instructing skills improved, my confidence grew, and my technical knowledge accelerated dramatically.

Having spent many years focusing on training and instructing in Adelaide, I was given the opportunity by my Grand Master Wahid Halimee to broaden my horizons by undertaking several trips overseas to meet and be involved with international members of the World Taekwondo family.

I was given the privilege of attending the selection testing for the Australian Olympic Taekwondo team in Sydney in 1999 at the invitation of Kwang Jhang Nim Cha Sok Park and Grand Master Wahid Halimee. Then, my first foray overseas as part of the World Taekwondo group was in 2002.

This trip was a visit to Korea, where we trained every day with local students, even taking part in a pomsae competition on Jeju Island.

Over the next decade, I was lucky enough to be involved in World Taekwondo activities and events in Ireland, Korea and Lebanon. Through my World Taekwondo training, I have been introduced to many dignitaries and high-ranking members of the international Taekwondo community.

I always return to Adelaide, of course, but each time I do it is with a greater understanding of the beauty and power of World Taekwondo as a martial art. Apart from the physical techniques of the art, I continue to gain more insight into the role I can play in ensuring that an understanding of the art continues to be passed on to others. I see my instructing role as one of the most important activities in my life.

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I am most proud that I have been able to involve my family in the art, as well as providing a pathway for other young students to become instructors themselves.

Without the dedication, support, and tireless efforts of Grand Master Wahid Halimee, I would never have been able to achieve what I have. The training provided by him in all aspects of the art of World Taekwondo has helped to mould me into the person I am today. I know that there is still much more ahead of me. I look forward to the challenges of training, self-improvement, and the development of those around me in the years ahead, as part of the local and international World Taekwondo family.

Instructor Murray Forbes - October 13, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au