Martial Arts Magic: How World Taekwondo Helped Me Conquer Public Speaking

Building Confidence Through World Taekwondo

My story is about how World Taekwondo has helped build my self-confidence.

My name is Sean McLarty, and I've been a World Taekwondo black belt for 10 years. In my day job, I work in an office environment where being able to effectively communicate is essential. Before becoming a World Taekwondo black belt, I struggled with public speaking—it was a big problem for me. The mere thought of addressing a group made my palms sweat, my heart race, and my ears burn hot with embarrassment.

That all changed when I began helping to teach World Taekwondo classes. As a black belt instructor, I've had to learn to lead classes, demonstrate techniques, and explain complex concepts to students of all ages. At first, it was daunting, but with each class, my confidence grew. I learned to project my voice, maintain eye contact, and engage my audience—skills that are crucial for effective teaching. Quickly, I found myself thinking clearly while presenting and learning how to improvise. I could see the changes it was making to me, and I began to look forward to teaching.

The real test came when, before I knew it, it was my sister's wedding day. She had asked me to be the one who walked her down the aisle, and of course, there would be wedding speeches. To my surprise, when it came time to stand on stage, that familiar flutter of nerves was gone. It was a big crowd—easily 300 people—but I now had the confidence and experience to know I could get through this.

From that day on, public speaking has no longer been an issue for me. The discipline, focus, and self-assurance I had cultivated as a World Taekwondo instructor had seamlessly translated into my ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience. It's a testament to the power of World Taekwondo in building not just physical strength, but also inner confidence—proving that the skills learned in World Taekwondo can empower every aspect of life. I am very grateful for these opportunities that World Taekwondo has given me.

Sean McLarty - October 27, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

Taekwondo Together: Building Confidence and Community as a Family

Kicking It Together: How World Taekwondo Became Our Family Sport

The journey began when my wife wanted to help our daughter get into some form of fitness or sport, and my wife chose World Taekwondo.

My wife would take our daughter Talitha to training and sit with the mums and watch the kids. After some time, the mums decided to join, so weekly they would both go to training while I sat at home with our then 3-year-old. My wife asked me when I would be joining. "I smiled and said when Caleb is 5 and eligible I'll take him and join also." Well, the years passed quickly, and at the ripe age of 59 years old, I started the World Taekwondo journey with our son Caleb.

Now we all go to training together as a family.

Personally, I enjoy World Taekwondo for:

• Personal Fitness: I love the workouts and trying to obtain agility, while the continual learning helps keep my mind focused on something away from my work.
• Family Fitness: It's beautiful to train together as a family.
• Friendships: It's been good to form new friendships and train in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
• Core Value Teachings: Respect, fitness, confidence, discipline, focus, perseverance, and determination are a great foundation for our whole family throughout our lives.

The learnings and instruction from Grand Master Wahid Halimee, Instructor Margaret, and all the dedicated instructors is valuable and very appreciated.

Mark Fiora - October 25, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

Building Friendships and Confidence Through World Taekwondo

The Joy of training: How World Taekwondo Built My Confidence.

My name is Gabriel and I started World Taekwondo as a white belt and now I am a junior black belt. I have been training for almost eight years and I have had so much fun doing it because you never get bored. When you are training, you always have something new to learn.

World Taekwondo has helped me stay fit, and I have made a lot of friends through World Taekwondo because everyone is very friendly. I feel that World Taekwondo has helped me build up my confidence; you need to be confident when you are doing the grading, and you need to be confident if you are teaching. All the confidence really helps you to believe that you can do it.

I have also been lucky enough to learn World Hapkido as well from Grand Master Wahid Halimee. I feel like hapkido training is a calmer version of taekwondo. In hapkido, your goal is to try to create harmony when you are sparring, and this helps because it really gets you to clear out the mind and just relax.

Gabriel Mathew - October 24, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

The Power of Perseverance

Michaela's World Taekwondo Journey

Hi, my name is Michaela, and I have been doing World Taekwondo for around 8 years. I started at a white belt and I am now a junior black belt. Over the years it kept getting harder and I thought about quitting, but my parents wouldn't let me, and now I am very grateful for that.

Because if they let me quit, I would have lost all of the benefits and opportunities that World Taekwondo gives me. Honestly, during my test to go for my junior black belt, I was extremely scared, but I had a goal and I still do: that I should always try my best no matter how hard the work is.

Being a black belt also means you can help others to achieve their goals in World Taekwondo. The best part would have to be the instructors because they are nice, kind, caring, and amazing. The instructors will always help you if you need it.

Lastly, and I saved the best for last, the amazing grandmaster who started the club, Grand Master Wahid Halimee. He is really nice and will always help you if you ask him to. Honestly, everyone there is really nice and supportive.

Michaela Mathew - October 22, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

Building Resilience: The Impact of World Taekwondo on Mental Health

Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence

I was a Domestic Engineer when my journey began in 2010 after observing the profound changes within my daughter. Her confidence and fitness levels increased as well as her concentration with school.

Rising through the ranks, my journey stumbled in 2015 after achieving my red belt. Due to debilitating illness (both mental and physical), I was really struggling to get up in the mornings and function on a daily basis, due to constant pain. My world felt literally was imploding all around me. But through the next six years I attended training two nights a week. Sometimes in uniform, sometimes not. Some nights I was able to train for the entire session, other nights were a struggle, sometimes I’d just practice patterns at the back of the hall and other times I was unable to train at all.

All through that I turned up to training, developing strong friendships to a point that the group at St. Peter’s World Taekwondo Training Centre became my second family. With them on my side supporting and encouraging me, I became a first aid officer within the club and remain in that position to date. Slowly I regained more control over my illness. Attending exams as a first aid officer gave me a sense of achievement and increased my need to be able to help and encourage others.

Finally in 2020, after a conversation with Grand Master Wahid Halimee and Senior Instructor Peter Whitbread, I took the next step and applied for my black belt, achieving this goal in 2022. The following year I became an assistant instructor, now helping and encouraging new members just as they had done for me.

Thanks to the support and encouragement of the club and ultimately rebuilding of my confidence, I chose to study for a Certificate III as a Personal Care Worker, achieving a now permanent job in that sector.

Now I enjoy assisting not only our younger members make their journey through World Taekwondo and achieve their goals but also out in our wider community, where I work to help them achieve their goals. And I am so proud and happy of the journeys I observe.

Michelle Dunn - October 21, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

Building Confidence and Discipline

Why World Taekwondo is the perfect activity for building confidence and discipline?

I commenced training with World Taekwondo in 2000, and achieved 1st Dan Black Belt in December 2013 together with my eldest son. My youngest son is now 3rd Dan, and my spouse is a Red Belt hoping to achieve her Black Belt soon.

For me, life is a journey of discovery. My spouse and I have always encouraged our children to follow their passion because we think that by doing so, they can become their best selves. On the journey to becoming a Black Belt, I have learnt a lot about myself and, I would like to think, become a better person as a result.

When I first began training, I observed that a person's age, gender, and size is no indication of what a person is physically capable of. As I gradually progressed through the various belt levels, I was surprised to learn what I was physically capable of, especially breaking boards by various kicking and punching techniques. I also re-learned a knowledge/skill from my younger years (school, university, and learning the piano) that with perseverance and determination, I could achieve desired outcomes - such as getting my Black Belt.

I was surprised by the additional confidence that I felt in not only being able to do my job, but just in my daily interactions with people. Fortunately, there has only been one occasion when I almost needed to use my taekwondo skills in public, being to stop an adult male continuously punching another adult male, but fortunately the security staff at the venue intervened.

Perhaps one of the best things about World Taekwondo is its emphasis upon respect and self-discipline. My Grand Master - Wahid Halimee continually emphasises these values, something essential for a healthy society.

Philip McMillan - October 18, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

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

From Boards to Belts: World Taekwondo is more than just a sport

Why World Taekwondo is More Than Just a Sport?

My name is Karine. I started World Taekwondo when I was six years old. On my journey to becoming a black belt, I faced the challenge of breaking boards. World Taekwondo helped me confront this challenge by increasing my confidence and self-esteem.

Discipline in World Taekwondo has taught me responsible behaviours and self-control.

A specific goal I set for myself was to achieve my first poom. I achieved this goal by focusing more in class and working on my kicks, ensuring I had power and thrust.

To me, World Taekwondo is more than just a sport; it's a place where you meet new people, make new friends, and become part of the club.

Karine Ghazal - October 11, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

If You Don’t Try, You’ll Never Know: Embracing World Taekwondo at Any Age

If You Don’t Give It a Go, You’ll Never Know!

I write this story, my story, to encourage people who think they can’t, to have a go.

Can’t What?

In this case, it’s to train in Taekwondo within the World Taekwondo environment under the leadership of Grand Master Wahid Halimee and Master Carol Halimee.

My Journey Begins

My journey began in July 1995 at the Greenwith Community Centre. I was about to turn 40, so age wasn’t an issue. However, I had a highly compromised right knee that had undergone two complete reconstructions and several ongoing knee arthroscopies due to playing soccer. I had no ACL and had to wear a steel-framed knee brace every time I trained, even though the knee could still give way unpredictably.

Why Did I Start?

My youngest son joined, and I would take him to training. After weeks of observing, I felt that I could meet some of the requirements. Being a very poor watcher, I joined to see where I could go. My aim was to reach Green belt so I could break some boards.

Training and Progress

It wasn’t long before I passed to Green belt and started breaking boards. By then, I had established a routine of twice-a-week training and was enjoying the challenge of working around my knee issues.

One of the many great features of World Taekwondo, thanks to Grand Master Wahid and Master Carol, is the flexibility in training requirements that allow students to progress. There are many paths to the end point.

30 Years Later

Fast forward 30 years, I am now a 4th Dan instructor, with my right knee and hip totally replaced and no knee brace. My greatest pleasure and motivation now is helping others go as far as they can. The title, "If You Don’t Give It a Go, You’ll Never Know," says it all—not just for Taekwondo but for any range of life events.

Impact on Work Life

How did Taekwondo training help my work life? As the Education Department’s Child Protection Project and Curriculum Officer for 9 years, and then 19 years working in two complex schools dealing with challenging situations, my training helped me stay calm and focused in highly stressful situations. It also served as a regular outlet to manage my stress levels effectively.

A Supportive Community

World Taekwondo is a family of supportive people there to help you. Take advantage!!

Michael Mc Veity - October 4, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au

Why Every Baby Boomer Should Consider World Taekwondo for a Healthier Life

Transforming My Life at 61: The Benefits of World Taekwondo

For many years, I was overwhelmed by my commitment to my work career and failed to keep a balance with my personal life. I reached a point where my body was overweight, and I had horrible back and hip pain for a long time. I was not in the best shape of mind.

Joining World Taekwondo

At the age of 61, I joined World Taekwondo with the aim to improve my physical fitness. This had an amazingly positive impact on my physical and mental health, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.

Supportive Training Environment

Training focuses on self-defence movements while including physical stretching and aerobics. Initially, I was nervous that my age and body would not keep up, but the patience and support of the Grand Master and his assistant instructors made me feel comfortable and excited to train. They help each of us individually to achieve the best possible training. The Grand Master has created a wonderful culture of care among everyone, including males and females from a wide age range, some even older than myself and with restricted physical conditions.

Improving My Health

Now, two years later, my physical condition has improved so much that I no longer have back and hip pain. I am confident that this training will keep my wellbeing in good shape as I grow older.

Precision and Coordination

The precision of movements taught by the Grand Master is impressive and cleverly applied. We initially learn the basics, but as time goes on, he teaches us how to improve every movement. This strategic method increases our precision and capability, providing ongoing interest to keep training. The coordination between my mind and body movements has greatly improved my long-term mental health, including the friendships I've formed with other members.

Understanding Self-Defence

Self-defence training is fundamentally about learning how to move and react to keep yourself safe. It is not about attacking others to hurt them. While training includes forceful movements, the principle is to minimize the opponent’s ability to hurt you and allow you to walk away safely. Unfortunately, some people think martial arts is focused on attacking others and are concerned about being hurt during training. However, World Taekwondo provides a very safe training environment where damaging physical contact is not allowed, thanks to the unique methods of the Grand Master.

Hapkido: An Excellent Supplement

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

Discipline and Family Involvement

Discipline and respect for all are part of our training, which positively influences our external relationships. It's encouraging to see many parents train with their children, fostering love and interaction within their families. The children develop self-defence skills and flexibility, benefiting them for life. I wish I had started training as a child and continued throughout my life.

Continuous Growth and Motivation

The growth of training level is managed by a step increase in belt status, which I find encourages learning and motivation. The Grand Master is an 8th Dan Black Belt, uniquely skilled and philosophical, explaining why World Taekwondo is so amazing. There is always more to learn and develop from his teachings, providing continuous encouragement for the future.

Join World Taekwondo

I strongly recommend people of all ages and wellness levels to join World Taekwondo to improve their lives.

Mark Penley - October 2, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au