The Power of Showing Up - My World Taekwondo Journey

When I first joined World Taekwondo at Blackwood Training Centre in 2018, my daughter Zahra had already achieved her First Dan Black Belt and was on her way to her Second Dan.

Like many parents, I sat in the foyer waiting for her to finish training, either working on my laptop, chatting with other parents, or grabbing a coffee.

Photo of 1st Grading

I was encouraged to join by Zahra, other parents who were training, as well as Master Wahid and Instructor David. At that time, I hadn’t exercised in more than 10 years, and I thought it was time for that to change. I had already established friendships with other parents, and the strength of those friendships grew as we trained alongside each other.

My initial motivation was to gain strength, fitness, and flexibility—World Taekwondo training certainly provided that opportunity. Through regular training, I slowly but surely worked my way through the belt levels. Some months I could only train a few days due to work or other commitments, but I never stopped; I kept showing up to class whenever I could. Once I reached the Red Belt level, I was encouraged by Master Wahid and other senior members to consider aiming for Black Belt.

Working towards the Black Belt required a commitment to training more frequently—4 to 5 days per week. I found it challenging to carve out time in my busy schedule, but I persisted with the support of my family and encouragement from other members. As an older person, I sometimes struggled with injuries but was always able to modify my focus during class to continue progressing.

I needed to determine the best way for me to learn and remember all the material, which I found very challenging. Thanks to the suggestions from other Black Belt members, I was able to work my way through this, too. Focus, repetition, and showing up for class were key to being ready for the day—along with the support of my daughter Zahra, who encouraged me and provided feedback on my technique, and training partners Phatcharin and Mark.

Gratitude

I want to thank Grand Master Wahid Halimee, Master Carol Halimee, Instructor David Earle, and Instructor Margaret Rogers, as well as the Black Belt members of Blackwood and Crafers Training Centres, who encouraged and supported me throughout my journey.

Cassandra Court
October 03, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

10 Years of Kicks and Confidence: How I Scored My Junior Black Belt!

10 Years In The Making

For 10 years, I have been training at World Taekwondo since I was 4 years old. Now, at 14, I have finally achieved my Junior Black Belt.

My first class was at Sturt Street Community School with Instructor Cory and the late Instructor Jozef. I was unsure at the time, but this experience would shape my journey.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sturt Street center was closed. I then moved to Westbourne Park Memorial Hall, where I trained with Instructor Patrick, Instructor Mark, and occasionally Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

At the red belt with five black stripes level, I changed schools after moving house. I was encouraged to train at St. Peter's East Adelaide School, where I was reintroduced to Senior Instructor Peter. He assisted me during my first board-breaking seminar at the green belt level. Training there led to significant improvement, and I soon applied for my Black Belt Test.

As training intensified over the months, I felt ready for the test.

The Black Belt Test

On the day of the Black Belt test, I was excited and nervous. During the test, I remained extremely focused and determined to perform at my peak. My extensive mental and physical preparation helped me stay composed. The test pushed me to use all my strength, power, and knowledge.

When Grand Master Wahid Halimee called out my name during the results, I could not have been prouder of myself.

Impact of World Taekwondo

World Taekwondo has helped me in many ways. For example, during the 2023 sports day event, the year sixes competed in the 1500m run. Using my physical skills, endurance, and the positive mindset from World Taekwondo, I overcame the pain barriers associated with long-distance running and achieved 3rd place. I also apply the discipline learned in World Taekwondo to listen to my teachers with full attention and to show respect to my peers. World Taekwondo has instilled in me the principle of taking action, so whenever I have a task, I complete it as quickly and accurately as possible. It has given me the confidence to tackle various life experiences.

World Taekwondo has taught me essential life skills such as discipline, respect, confidence, routine, perseverance, reliability, and the importance of pushing myself and not giving up.

Gratitude

I would like to dedicate this achievement to my Mum, who has raised me as a single parent. She has supported, encouraged, and helped me throughout my years in World Taekwondo, even during tough times when I didn’t want to continue. My Mum encourages and guides me to be the best person I can be; without her love, support, and dedication, I would not be here today. I also want to thank everyone I’ve met along the way who has contributed to my growth.

I have learned that “You cannot buy a Black Belt; it is earned through dedication and persistence.”

Jakob Dinning-Staker
September 10, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Power for life - World Taekwondo for the 50+

World Taekwondo - Life Wellbeing Support for All Ages

After working in my previous career for over 30 years in a stressful environment, I had little time to focus on exercise, which impacted my overall wellbeing.

I joined World Taekwondo at the Blackwood training centre, which has amazingly improved my wellbeing by learning martial arts in such a nice community. The Grand Master has created a very pleasant, inclusive, and respectful environment for people, while addressing individual safety for all participants. This makes attendance for training a nice experience. In addition, the provision of multiple training venues in Adelaide enables easy access to attend classes.

World Taekwondo has members ranging from young children to seniors, both males and females. It is great to see so many family members involved, which helps their family relationships. This has inspired me to recommend World Taekwondo for people of all ages and that children start early in their life and continue forever. I have witnessed the progression of children developing their skills in Taekwondo, improving their flexibility, following instructions, and learning discipline and respect in a nurturing environment. For this reason, I am looking forward to my own grandchildren joining at an early age.

All training sessions incorporate a significant amount of initial stretching and aerobics prior to focusing on self-defence movements. This has significantly improved my own flexibility.

The precision of self-defence movements taught by Grand Master Wahid is very impressive and cleverly applied. Initially, we learn the basics of the movements, but as time goes forward, Grand Master Wahid teaches us individually how to improve these skills. Learning always continues as we rise in belt levels from white to black and beyond, which keeps us motivated.

World Hapkido is a another interesting style of self-defence taught by the Grand Master as an associated class with Taekwondo. World Hapkido supplements your skills and wellbeing with a very different range of circular smooth movements, making use of the opponent’s weight and momentum.

I am so grateful to Grand Master Wahid, Master Carol, and many instructors for their encouragement and support in achieving my Black Belt. Thank you also to Phatcharin and Cassandra for working with me in preparation for our black belt grading together.

Grand Master Wahid Halimee, Master Carol Halimee, and all instructors, thank you for World Taekwondo improving my wellbeing in such a pleasant and clever environment.

Mark Penley
September 02, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Kicking Goals: How World Taekwondo Changed My Life!

Kicking Towards Success

Hi, my name is Vy, and I am 11 years old, soon to be 12. I started World Taekwondo when I was just five, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since. Over the past six years, I have faced numerous challenges, learned valuable lessons, and recently achieved one of my biggest goals: earning my black belt.

Overcoming Challenges

When I first began learning how to break boards in Taekwondo, I felt nervous and scared, often doubting my abilities. There were times when I would strike the board and it wouldn’t break, leaving me frustrated. However, my instructor, Peter Whitbread, encouraged me to believe in myself. I kept practicing my kicks and strikes, and with each attempt, I grew more confident. The first time I finally broke a board, I felt immense pride; it was proof that hard work and determination truly pay off. Although breaking boards is still challenging, I'll never forget that first successful strike.

Lessons in Discipline

Training in World Taekwondo has instilled a sense of discipline in me. I learned to concentrate in class, listen carefully to instructions, and practice with focus. These habits have helped me succeed in school as well. Taekwondo has shown me that discipline and focus lead to success, whether it’s breaking a board or solving a tough math problem. I am grateful to have learned this essential skill through World Taekwondo.

A Proud Achievement

The moment I received my black belt was one of the proudest days of my life. Reflecting on my journey from a white belt to now, I was overwhelmed with happiness. Wearing that black belt and shaking hands with everyone filled me with confidence and pride in my hard work. This newfound confidence assures me that I can achieve anything if I set my mind to it!

A Strong Sense of Community

World Taekwondo has given me a wonderful sense of community through the people I have met along the way. Over the years, I’ve made many friends who train alongside me, and we constantly encourage one another to improve. My instructors have been instrumental in teaching me everything necessary to earn my black belt. With friends and instructors by my side, Taekwondo feels like a second family, and I am thankful for all their support. I also want to thank my brother; despite our ups and downs, he has helped me with my patterns and offered valuable tips.

Aiming for New Goals

My ultimate goal in Taekwondo was to earn my black belt. It felt so far away when I was just a white belt at five. I achieved this goal by practicing every week, learning each pattern carefully, and persevering through tough times. Reaching that milestone taught me that big dreams can come true if I stay dedicated. Now I know I can set new goals in Taekwondo, like achieving my second Dan, in school, or in any aspect of life, and work hard to achieve them.

Thank you for reading about my journey in World Taekwondo!

Vy Nguyen
September 01, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD!

You're Never Too Old: My World Taekwondo Journey

My Taekwondo journey started when I watched my son train at the Blackwood centre. I quickly realized that the World Taekwondo club fostered a wonderful community of like-minded individuals dedicated to self-improvement in fitness, self-defence, self-confidence, personal discipline, and mutual respect.

The training was open to everyone, which further inspired me.
I became friends with some of the parents of the children training alongside my son. Nigel Blake encouraged me to join, followed by Cassandra Court. During our training, the senior belts and the Grand Master were incredibly supportive and motivating. It was at that moment I recognised my potential for achieving a higher belt.

Unfortunately, I faced a serious setback in 2020 when I injured my heel and fibula in a motorcycle accident, requiring surgery in 2022. Despite this setback, I returned to training a year later with the full support of the club. I regained my confidence, inspiring me to reach my full potential and aim for a black belt like my son Rhys and my daughter Amber.

I would like to dedicate my black belt to the late Instructor Jozef Klim, who has always supported me, as well as to all the instructors and members of the Blackwood World Taekwondo Club who made this achievement possible.

I would also like to personally thank Grand Master Wahid Halimee,  Master Carol Halimee, Instructor David Earle and Instructor Margaret Rogers whose support was invaluable .

And so, the journey continues...

Phatcharin Barlass
August 12, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Nervous Beginner to Confident Black Belt at St Peters Taekwondo

Transforming My Life Through World Taekwondo

I first started World Taekwondo when I was just 5 years old. As I entered my first training centre, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know, this decision would change my life forever.

Over the years, World Taekwondo became more than just a hobby; it became an integral part of my life. The challenging training sessions laid a solid foundation for improving my endurance and self-confidence. I learned to break boards with precision and power, mastering the correct techniques. Each successful break taught me how to manage pressure while keeping me strong and healthy.

Through World Taekwondo, I forged new friendships, connecting with others who shared my interests. Helping to teach young children at my centre enhanced my patience as a mentor.

As a black belt, I took on various roles, teaching and leading my juniors and peers, which helped me develop vital leadership skills.

Furthermore, the discipline required for my training fostered a sense of self-discipline that benefited other areas of my life, including my studies and various activities. Respect is paramount in World Taekwondo, and I learned to respect my peers, instructors, and seniors alike.

Training in World Taekwondo has sharpened my focus and concentration—skills that have proved invaluable in everyday life and beyond martial arts. Perseverance became essential as I learned the importance of hard work and overcoming obstacles.

One of the most meaningful aspects of World Taekwondo is how it helps students boost their self-confidence. The confidence I gained from performing physical tests and showcasing my skills in front of others improved my public speaking and presentation abilities at school. This newfound confidence enabled me to communicate clearly in front of my peers and manage my nerves, making school presentations much less daunting.

Now, after almost a decade of training, I have built a solid foundation for both my body and mind, equipping me to navigate the challenges we call “life.”

Kiet Nguyen
February 28, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Support at Mt Barker Taekwondo For People of All Ages!

Building Confidence: Nine Years of World Taekwondo and Support

I began my World Taekwondo journey in July 2016 when I was just 9 years old. After participating in a 'Come and Try' session at Hahndorf and Mount Barker, I decided to join the program.

My path to earning a Black Belt has taken eight years of consistent training, fueled by the motivation and support of Instructor Margaret. I truly enjoy World Taekwondo for its sense of community, as I have met many individuals of all ages through training.

The training sessions are incredibly positive and supportive, thanks to the encouragement from senior members who have guided me on my journey to Black Belt. Additionally, World Taekwondo has enhanced my memory retention, as I not only had to learn the various patterns but also remember them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Instructor Margaret, Grand Master Wahid Halimee, and all the senior members of the World Taekwondo community for their unwavering encouragement and support.

Talitha Fiora
February 27, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Burnside Taekwondo for Women of all ages!

The power of World Taekwondo for Women!

For many women and girls, the idea of starting a martial art might seem intimidating. But World Taekwondo offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and empowerment that transcends age. At our club, we believe in the power of intrinsic motivation – that driving force that comes from within and fuels lasting growth. Here’s how our club can help you achieve your personal goals:

• Autonomy: Our training program empowers you to take charge of your health and well-being. You set your own pace, and celebrate your individual progress. This sense of control fosters a deep sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-confidence.
• Relatedness: Our club provides a welcoming and supportive community of women who share your journey. You'll build lasting connections with fellow students and instructors, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the training centre. This camaraderie fosters encouragement, motivation, and a shared passion for growth.
• Competence: With each new technique you master and every challenge you overcome, you'll feel a surge of confidence and capability. World Taekwondo helps you develop a strong sense of self-efficacy, knowing that you can set goals and achieve them. This feeling of accomplishment translates into every aspect of your life.

At World Taekwondo we understand that true motivation comes from nurturing your psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Our instructors create a supportive environment where you can thrive, discover your inner strength, and achieve your personal best.

Join us and experience the transformative power of our club!

Master Instructor Carol Halimee
January 11, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Follow Your Dreams at Hahndorf Taekwondo Centre

Mark's Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Confidence

I have always wanted to learn a martial art since I was a kid. After having a stroke at the age of 9 and learning to walk and talk again, my coordination was not very good. So, I started Moodukwan Taekwondo at 17 and received my black belt by the age of 22.

Later in life, as a father, I wanted to introduce my little girl to a martial art. That’s when I discovered World Taekwondo with Instructor Margaret and enrolled my eldest daughter, Sydney. She was shy at first, but as she progressed, her confidence grew.

I tried to teach her some kicks I knew, but she said, “You don’t even do it!” So, I started training the very next night. I faced some setbacks over the years; I pulled my hamstring the day before my yellow belt grading and then injured my other leg just one week before my green belt grading.

I had nearly a year off because my job changed my hours to afternoon shifts. When my workplace made everyone redundant, including me, I decided to return to World Taekwondo. However, I began experiencing problems with my back. I was so close to giving up; throwing kicks and training became increasingly painful. Thankfully, the club helped me by gradually getting me back to where I left off. They motivated me to keep going and achieve my goal of earning my black belt.

Grand Master Wahid suggested I see a physiotherapist who trained at the club, and he really helped me manage the pain. The club provided invaluable support through my back issues.

Now, I have my black belt, and I would like to thank Grand Master Wahid for all of his encouragement and support. Senior training on Sundays, has made me more confident. My eldest daughter has also become more confident; she currently holds her red belt with five tips and is aiming for her black belt this year. My youngest daughter has her brown belt with a red tip.

I guess my story is: “Follow your dreams and teach your kids never to give up.” I know my story has just begun.

Mark Wohlfeil
January 6, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Makai's Story of Confidence Building at Burnside Taekwondo

The Power of Perseverance

I have been a part of World Taekwondo since I was five years old. I really enjoy World Taekwondo because I appreciate the discipline it instills in me, and it gives me the confidence to try new things and challenge myself across many areas of the program.

A significant challenge I faced was when I worked hard to perform Koryo Pomsae. The double side kick was particularly difficult for me, and I practiced for weeks to get it right. After all that effort, I finally achieved it and felt incredibly proud. This experience taught me that putting in effort is worthwhile, as it helps you achieve your goals. Even when you feel like giving up, perseverance can lead to success.

Through my commitment and consistent practice, I have earned my Junior Black Belt. Although I haven’t achieved this alone, my instructors, have guided me throughout this journey. I highly recommend World Taekwondo; I’ve made many friends and accomplished great things.

Makai Anderson
December 29, 2024
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au