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.
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.
<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
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