Interview with Sheamus O'Neill
Senior Instructor Ireland

Q1) Why did you take up World Taekwondo?
I took up training in World Taekwondo, so that I could look after my self and my sisters, because coming from a broken home in the Eighties was not the norm, and the boys from other housing estates knew of this and would always want to pick on me. These were my main reasons.

Q2) How did you become Head Instructor for World Taekwondo In Ireland?
I received my letter of appointment from my Master, Master Wahid Halimee (President and Founder of World Taekwondo International) back in 1999, and since that day, I have worked hard under the guidance and nurturing manner of my Kwan Jahng Nim Master Wahid Halimee and Master Carol Halimee to grow World Taekwondo in Ireland.

Q3) What does World Taekwondo mean to you?
To me, World Taekwondo means everything. It is in my blood, it is my lifeline, it is always there with me. I hope this helps just a small bit to explain what World Taekwondo means to me.
(Inst Sheamus with Master Wahid Halimee in Sydney Australia in 2005, Left to right Master Wahid, Grand Master Cha Sok Park (Senior Vice President WTF and President Pan Am Taekwondo Union, Grand Master Kwak (President Taekwondo Australia), Instructor Murray Forbes, Instructor Sheamus)

Q4) Can you explain what World Taekwondo has done for you?
World Taekwondo has made me a better man, in many different ways. Thanks to World Taekwondo I have a career, this helps me to provide for my family, It also helps me to be a good father and a role model to my children. It helps me to have this great relationship with my partner Fiona, it also helps me be a role model in my community and anywhere I go to teach. I have also got to travel the world and see things that I never knew about. To be honest, World Taekwondo has and is making all my dreams come true.

Q5) In your opinion what are the benefits for anyone wishing to take up this great Martial Art?
The benefits are: Fitness, Strength, Self Defence, and learning to achieve as you move through the belts and become part of an extended family known as World Taekwondo.... to name a few.

Q6) To conclude, What do you see as the future of World Taekwondo in Ireland?
The future is ours, it is great, World Taekwondo is growing from strength to strength, we have black belts stepping up all the time looking to open Centres and all I can say for now is.... Watch this space.

Interview with Instructor Patrick Matthews Senior Instructor Adelaide, South Australia.

Q1) Why did you begin studying World Taekwondo?
I began my study of World Taekwondo because I wanted a form of fitness and self defence that was a long term ativity. I was particularly attracted to the fact that the teaching of the art and the training were approached so seriously yet you did not have to have any prior abilities to participate, you were able to start from scratch.

Q2) When did you start?
I commenced my training in first year high school when I was 12 years old.

Q3) Are the reasons you started training in World Taekwondo still the same reasons why you are still training today?
The reasons I started training and the benefits I sought from training are still there today. What has changed is that there are new goals and achievements to be met and my position in relation to those reasons have changed also. For example, I was interested in learning effective form of self defence and now I am part of a structure designed to continue the high standards of teaching World Taekwondo.

Q4) How do you believe you have benefited through your training with Master Wahid in World Taekwondo?
My World Taekwondo training has given me benefits both physically and mentally, infact they are not separate benefits, they are linked. The continual setting and achieving of goals that is a part of the World Taekwondo System has many carry-over benefits in everyday life. My rank as a World Taekwondo Black Belt was always present on my job applications as it represented the ability to maintain commitment to a specific goal. Physically the training and conditioning of World Taekwondo has been fantastic. Many purely sporting activities have a 'shelf life', World Taekwondo on the other hand develops as your body does from the speed and energy of the young students to the focus and power of the older students.

Q7) Do you believe the traditional aspects of World Taekwondo are integral to the study of a martial art?
The traditional aspects are an integral part of studying the art of World Taekwondo. The class and training structure is designed to foster certain attributes in individuals and these are included in the curriculum. An example of this is the etiquette and associated Do Jang rules, these don't exist solely for the smooth running of the centre but also to develop the traditional and philosophical attributes of eth students.

Q8) When and why did you take up instructing?
I began instructing after I received my 1st Dan Black Belt. I began instructing for a few reasons: Firstly, because it is a great way to learn as you have to have a deeper knowledge of every movement to teach it. Secondly, because it is a new learning experience to learn the art of instructing. Thirdly, because I wanted an opportunity to share with others the things I had leanrt from my years of training with my Master Wahid Halimee.

Q9) What are some of the benefits you personally derive out of teaching World Taekwondo classes?
Teaching and developing a student from the beginner level through to the senior grades is not an easy task, but the benefits are great for the student and Instructor alike. When a student reaches their goal (Be it a Black Belt or something else), there is a real sense of achievement. The student has been given something that no-one can take away from them and I have an opportunity through my students to show my Instructor (Master Wahid Halimee) that what he taught me is something I value and treat seriously enough to teach to others properly and to the best of my ability.

Q10) What are some of the main reasons for studying World Taekwondo?
Most students are interested initially in the fitness or self defence aspects of World Taekwondo and amongst the younger students the competition and discipline aspects are also a factor.