Finding My ME Time: The Joy of World Taekwondo Training

World Taekwondo is My ME Time

The hour I practise World Taekwondo is mine. I do not have to think about anything or anyone outside. I can concentrate on technique, form, and function. I listen, I learn, and I assist.

Challenges of Family Life

Being part of a farming family in 2024 can be challenging at times—financially and emotionally draining. Having three young children adds to the challenges, as does dealing with extended family. My husband was my inspiration to try World Taekwondo, and all three of my children have started World Taekwondo as well, making it a family affair.

More Than Just Fitness

Through World Taekwondo, I have gained so much more than fitness, resilience, and discipline; I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Some are young people, some are my age, and some are older.

Learning New Skills

Here in my mid-forties, I have learned to do roundhouse kicks, jump kicks, spinning crescent kicks, and so many more techniques. Who would have thought?! It is never too late. I hope that I can be an inspiration for someone someday!

Gita Du Plessis - September 28, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

My 37-Year World Taekwondo Journey: From a student to Senior Instructor

Starting My World Taekwondo Journey

When I went to my first class at Blackwood some 37 years ago, I was inspired by the teachings and guidance of Grandmaster Wahid Halimee. At that first lesson, I knew that this was not only inspiring for fitness but also for focus and direction in my life.

Discipline

As I began my journey with World Taekwondo, I learned how much the discipline would impact my life and beyond. My work skills, family, and social life have changed for the better. The confidence it has given me in life is second to none, and even after all these years, I still follow these attributes today.

Black Belt and Beyond

When I first got my Black Belt, I was inspired by what lay ahead. Starting out, I never thought I would achieve a Black Belt, let alone become an instructor. Eventually, I became a Senior Instructor. The direction I took early in World Taekwondo has led me to this point.

Teaching and Students

After teaching so many students over the years and watching them aspire to achieve their goals with World Taekwondo, some eventually becoming Black Belts, I am always proud of what they have all become within themselves.

Instructor Peter Whitbread - September 27, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

From Sidelines to Black Belt: My World Taekwondo Journey

Sidelines to Black Belt!

Introduction

Like many parents, I spent years watching my children progress through World Taekwondo, attending gradings and observing from the sidelines. At that time, I was in my early 50s, chronically overweight, and dealing with various health issues, including a previous back operation and early onset arthritis. Sciatic pain plagued me each night, and I had resigned myself to this being my normal life.

The Decision to Join

After 18 months of spectating, I started chatting with other parents, and we made a pact to begin World Taekwondo together in the new year. To my surprise, we all followed through on that commitment.

Overcoming Challenges

Initially, I realized that practicing World Taekwondo was far more challenging than it appeared from the sidelines. However, within a few weeks, I experienced a remarkable change—my chronic sciatic pain and the need for regular physio visits came to an end. I gained flexibility, improved my general fitness, lost weight, and regained movement that I had lost after my back surgery.

Setting Goals

As I progressed, I began setting targets for myself. Although I knew I wouldn’t be executing flying side kicks over multiple people, I started to conquer things I once thought were unachievable. I learned that my limitations were largely mental, and I shifted my perspective to view my progress as hard work rather than impossibility.

Community and Friendship

Of the four of us who started together, three of us are still training seven years later, alongside many others who have become friends. I felt immense pride when I earned my black belt—a goal I once thought was laughable. My journey continues as I work hard toward each new goal.

Giving Back

One of my greatest joys now is helping others in their personal journeys. Watching someone achieve their goals—especially earning their black belt—is incredibly rewarding. The sense of community within World Taekwondo is strong; we support each other and welcome newcomers into our embrace.

Mental Health Benefits

Word Taekwondo has become a vital part of my daily routine. I’ve noticed that when I can't practicse, my mental health declines. My children recognize that I am more approachable and easier to talk to after training, as it helps me release daily stresses. Despite a demanding career, I prioritize my World Taekwondo training, understanding the clear health benefits it provides.

Personal Safety and Awareness

While I’ve not had to use my physical skills in real-life situations, the mental awareness and confidence gained from World Taekwondo have transformed me. I now assess potential threats more effectively and can remove myself from risky situations. I no longer project an image of being an easy target.

Conclusion

I plan to continue my World Taekwondo training for as long as possible and hope to give back to the community long after that. Sharing my journey and supporting my friends in the World Taekwondo community is a commitment I cherish.

Hugh Rising - September 24, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

My Taekwondo Journey: From Adversity to Achievement!

From Adversity to Achievement!

Introduction

After some forty-five years of sweating in the dojhang my knees said “enough”, and my doctor told me that I needed to retire. Very sadly, I decided to take his advice, and I retired in my seventieth year.

I grew up in a time much different from now. I was born with a lazy eye and as a small child they tried to correct it by blinding me in my good eye. This meant I went through early primary school wearing blacked out glasses and I was unable to participate in any ball sports.

Early Challenges

In those days a boy’s worth and status was measured by his sporting prowess and the children I went to school with were the cohort I was with throughout my entire schooling. There was no protection from bullying back then, no school counsellors, no help. My school days were not great. I knew it wasn’t right but I was powerless to correct it. I had a strong sense of justice but had no ability to stand up for myself.

I was fortunate that my father was a fantastic fisherman and champion rifle shot so I escaped into those pastimes and managed to make the Australian Shooting team when I was eighteen. From there I formed friendships that last to this day and gained a feeling of self-worth. One of those friends was participating in Taekwondo and I wondered if it was for me.

Discovery of World Taekwondo

My first lesson was at Henley Beach, in 1979. The movements seemed unnatural, but I was inspired by the ability of the other students and I have trained ever since. I had no natural ability, I just kept trying.

Grand Master Wahid Halimee took over at Henley Beach and I have been his student ever since, barring times I have been out of Adelaide.

The Deeper Meaning of World Taekwondo

One of the first things anyone not familiar with the martial arts asks you when they learn that you are a Black Belt is “Have you ever used it?” They expect stories of defending old ladies from muggers or making citizen’s arrests of armed robbers etc. The truth is far deeper. In fact, I use the art daily. Whenever a task gets hard, whenever you feel tired, whenever life throws something at you I remember that I have pushed through and I can do it. Giving up is not an option.

Memorable Moments

One of my most treasured moments was training for my Black Belt. Things were a bit harder in those days and I was coming home black and blue. One night, to increase stamina, all the Black Belts lined up in front of me for sparring. They got stuck in one at a time and few punches were pulled. After a while I felt I could not go on. My arms went weak and my lungs burned. All I remember is the Grand Master yelling “Get your hands up! Keep going!”

Like a religious experience I went from exhausted to fighting back. Like walking through a curtain my strength flowed back and I felt as if I could go on for ever. I now know that when you think you have nothing left in the petrol tank you are really only on half full.

Professional Life and World Taekwondo

I used my World Taekwondo skills through my professional life many times. The basic premise is that you are the weaker party so you must think out of the square to win. What will your opponent do, what will they expect you to do? What can you do that will throw them off guard? What can you do to bring them to your side? Just sit back and look at the problem rather than confront it head on.

I worked for a long time with troubled youth. Violence was their language and often I was on the brunt of it. In all those times when called upon I was able to calm the situation and I never had to hit anyone. I could never have done that without my World Taekwondo training. So you see you train hard NOT to hit anyone because you have the skill to walk away not in fear, but with confidence.

Conclusion

My World Taekwondo journey has changed my life in so many ways. I am grateful for my lazy eye which started it and to the superb instructors I trained under. Special thanks to Grand Master Wahid Halimee, Instructor Patrick Matthews and Instructor David Ferguson. I miss you all.

John Peek - September 19, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au