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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 .
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.
Igniting My Inner Fire Through the Blackwood Taekwondo Training Centre
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.
Finding My Me Time at the Mt Barker Taekwondo Training Centre
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 visit worldtaekwondo.com.au
A Mother’s Journey of Resilience and Healing at Crafers Taekwondo
A Mother's Journey of Resilience
Gratitude to World Taekwondo
I would like to extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to you both for the positive impacts that joining World Taekwondo has had on myself and my family.
Empowering My Daughters
My eldest daughter was the first to join at the age of 6 as a way to help her develop her voice and become more assertive. My husband and I were quickly impressed with our instructor's skill and professionalism. We see her as a positive, strong female role model for both of our daughters.
Our 9-year-old daughter, a small and feisty child, joined just before she turned 5. A year ago, she was diagnosed with autism and had always struggled with large crowds and loud sounds during grading tests. However, this didn’t stop her from progressing, as there are options like catch-up grading tests. I am so impressed with the inclusive approach to Taekwondo that your club offers, catering to individual abilities and ensuring no one feels excluded.
Thanks to your inclusive practices, my daughter has been able to continue with her friends at her own pace and challenge herself when she’s ready. In September, we were all so happy for her as she attempted to do her grading as part of the larger group grading test and successfully completed it. This was a significant achievement for her in overcoming sensory processing issues, and she was so proud of receiving her green belt.
A Journey of Personal Growth
I started World Taekwondo shortly after my youngest daughter began, primarily for fitness. At 43, I noticed my physical fitness declining and didn’t feel good about it. I never imagined I would take up a martial art; it was never on my radar.
Initially, I didn’t realize all the positive benefits that would come in addition to increased fitness. As a contemporary jeweler, my fine motor skills were strong, but the rest of my body felt somewhat disconnected. World Taekwondo training made me more aware of how I use my body while creating jewelry, leading to a more sustainable approach to my craft.
Demonstrating Life Skills
As a mother, I am demonstrating positive life skills by attempting something difficult and achieving it through practice. I love that the classes reflect the community, with men and women of all ages, creating a diverse and healthy environment. Each session is different, and I always come away with something new or improved.
Leadership and Resilience
In 2021, I took on a leadership position in the arts. This demanding role feels more achievable due to my experiences with World Taekwondo training. On a personal note, following my breast cancer diagnosis in March 2020, World Taekwondo became crucial for me. Emerging from COVID lockdown, I was recovering from surgery and was excited to get back into training and see everyone again. The Sunday morning outdoor classes were incredibly enjoyable, and I am thankful for the alternatives and extra efforts to continue training during that difficult time.
Healing Through Taekwondo
During my radiotherapy in July and August, I continued training, despite finding it difficult to concentrate and painful to perform some movements. It was easy for me to adapt to my capabilities without feeling like I was putting anyone out. Each session connected me to my current physical state, allowing me to focus on my strengths while acknowledging my struggles. My World Taekwondo training provided me with strength, even in my weakest moments, and for that, I am truly thankful.
Conclusion
For me, this is a life choice. Forever thankful. - Kath, January 20, 2023.
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au
