What I enjoy about World Taekwondo
I have studied Taekwondo through three different stages of my life.
In 2021, I had a serious fall at work, and ended up having to get a total left hip replacement. I told my surgeon I have been thinking about getting back into World Taekwondo, what are my chances, and he said he was happy for me to pursue this after a extensive recovery.
I visited the Blackwood training class, watched a class, and then set a date to return to classes.
After such a long break, and a major surgery, I started my new journey from white belt, so that Kwan Jang Nim Grand Master Wahid Halimee could slowly and carefully
monitor my progress, to avoid re-injuring myself and I successfully, after seven months of modified training regained my black belt status.
What I enjoy about World Taekwondo is that it is no ordinary martial arts club, Grand Master Wahid and Master Carol understand
that people from all walks of life, young and older, can train and achieve their goals, and won't be restricted from those goals because of
injury or age, and the Instructors care about the students and work with students to help them achieve and be confident in their abilities.
I am proud to be part of this club, and I am now learning to become a instructor, with the guidance of my Grand Master. Even after a long break and a life changing surgery, you can still achieve your goals with World Taekwondo by modified training and keeping a
positive attitude, even on days when life is not being kind, a good training session will turn your day into a positive one.
Power-Beauty-Morality-Spirit-Confidence and fitness, World Taekwondo not just a martial art, it is a way of life, see you at class, Kihap!!!
Michael Gregory, 2023
I would like to extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to you both and the positive impacts of joining World Taekwondo have had on myself and my family.
My eldest daughter was the first to join as a 6 year old 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 years old was a small and feisty child, joining just before she turned 5. A year ago she was diagnosed with autism. She had always struggled with the large crowds and loud sounds in large group grading tests, but this didn’t stop her from progressing as there are other options such as catch up grading tests. I am so impressed with the inclusive approach to Taekwondo that your club offers. That individual abilities are catered to and this approach does not exclude them from participating or feeling different.
Your inclusive practices meant that my daughter has been able to continue with her friends, but 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 was successful in completing it.
This was a great achievement for her to overcome her sensory processing issues and push through. She was so proud of this result and we couldn’t have been happier for her receiving her green belt with this achievement.
I started World Taekwondo, shortly after my youngest daughter started, for fitness. As a 43 year old I noticed that physically, my fitness was declining and I wasn’t feeling good about it. I have to admit, never in my life did I ever imagine that I would take up a Martial Art, a choice like this was never on my radar.
When I commenced I didn’t realise all the positive benefits that would come in addition to increased fitness.
My work as a contemporary jeweller meant that my fine motor skills were brilliant, but that the rest of my body was somewhat disconnected. World Taekwondo training got me thinking about how I’m using the rest of my body while I am making jewlery, and this is creating a more sustainable approach to my craft.
As a mother, I am demonstrating positive life skills by attempting something that is difficult and achieving them through practise. I love that the classes you offer reflect the community; having men and women of all ages. It is a great, diverse and healthy environment to be involved with. Each session is different and I come away every time with something new and/or improved.
In 2021 I took on a leadership position in the arts. This new role is very demanding role, but one that I feel more prepared for and able to achieve due to the impact and experience with World Taekwondo training.
On a more personal note, with my breast cancer diagnosis in March 2020, World Taekwondo became so important to me. When we were emerging from COVID lockdown, I was just recovering from surgery. I was so excited about getting back into training and seeing everyone again. The Sunday morning outdoor classes were so enjoyable, I want to express my thanks for all the alternatives and extra work involved in putting together new programs and ways of continuing training during that difficult time.
When I underwent Radiotherapy in July and August, I continued training, but I found it difficult to concentrate and quite painful to perform some movements. It was no problem for me to continue with what I could do at this time, and I didn’t feel like I was putting anyone out with my reduced capacity. I felt included and understood. Each session put me in touch with where I was at physically, I could feel all areas where I was struggling, but I focused on the parts that I could do, and this put me directly in touch with my strength. My World Taekwondo training helped me feel strong, even in my weakest moments and I am so thankful for this experience.
A recent study published in 2020 outlined the reduced recurrence of breast cancer in women who participate in regular exercise https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/exercise-improves-survival-and-reduces-risk. This is another reason why I am committed to continuing with World Taekwondo for as long as I can.
For me this is a life choice. Forever thankful.
I want to let you know how World Taekwondo has been a very positive influence in my life.
I joined with my wife Allegra a year ago who decided she needed some more fire energy in her life while studying an embodied coaching course. I have always enjoyed physically demanding activities including various martial arts so it seemed natural to accompany her to training.
World Taekwondo is the first martial art I have been able to stick at. I enjoy that the training is crafted to be incremental and gradually teaches techniques, patterns and has proven to build my flexibility in body movement, increase fitness and stamina and even improve my dexterity.
I have found there is also wisdom in submitting to the discipline which teaches many things including determination and resilience. The training Centre we attend (Blackwood) is full of very friendly and approachable students and Instructors who go out of their way to teach and support us. I am 60 years of age and feel the training is vigorous but sustainable. I feel fitter, stronger and definitely more flexible. Mentally too, I feel sharper and have good clarity of who I am and where I am going.
Already we have achieved a green belt signifying growth. I look forward to continuing on this journey.
Robert S.
What we appreciate about the club - namely the organisation, order, discipline and respect of each and every member, especially of elders and seniors and for those who have helped you. My son and I went to see a few other clubs and we both agreed it is well worth the drive down to Henley Beach for these principles and standards that your club offers. The philosophy that goes along with the sport which makes it into something bigger and more valuable for life. The graciousness with which you replied to my complaint is another example of this. The lesson you gave the kids tonight about the "3 keys" and the way they can be applied to many other life situations in general - not just taekwondo - was fantastic, these are the reasons we find it well worth the trip to be proud members of World Taekwondo. Julietta C.
Dear Grand Master I wanted to contact you to tell you how proud we are of Ben’s achievements in World Taekwondo and to thank you for the skills it has given him over the past 5 years. As you are aware Ben has Asperger's Syndrome and 5 years ago it was through his determination that he joined World Taekwondo at Crafers. My husband and I were not convinced that he would be able to follow the instructions and patterns that took place but after having a wonderfully positive conversation with Instructor Margaret we took Ben along to watch a class. Still unconvinced we decided that we should let him have a go purely as he was so determined to become involved. His first grading was stressful to watch as parents as he was unfamiliar with the environment and did not even stand up when his name was called out. Instructor Margaret kindly encouraged him to stand up and join the grading which he passed with great pride. She has been by his side throughout the whole journey to Black Belt and has been a constant supporter of him all the way. With the experiences my husband and I have seen with Ben and others within the World Taekwondo family, I see the way that people are encouraged to be the best that they can be and how wonderfully supportive all of the Black Belts are with the lower belts. Now Ben has finally become one of those Black Belts that all of the others look up to and I am sure that he will continue being part of the World Taekwondo family for years to come. He left this morning for 9 days in Mimili working with Indigenous children and I am sure he will teach them some of his moves throughout this stay. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what Taekwondo has done for Ben in so many ways. Vanessa E.
Dear Grand Master Wahid and Master Carol, I feel compelled to write this letter. I have to say how much I enjoy and love attending World Taekwondo classes.
You have created something very special in your school. You are very innovative and your passion for this art ripples across to everyone who has experienced your school, whether as a student, parent or guest. What I have found is even with life ups and downs, I have something which helps me stay motivated, focused and pushes me out of my comfort zone and above all has taught me a strong mind is more powerful than a strong body as it can conquer anything life puts in front of you. For that I say thank you and I truly feel extreme gratitude to you both for creating a school that betters people's lives in so many ways. Power, Beauty, Morality and Spirit. Thanking you so much. Rita Zaikos.
Mary-Anne and I always encouraged our three sons to try different sports and activities as they were growing up. When our eldest son was transitioning from primary to secondary school, he asked if he could do some martial arts for self defence. So I took our three sons to a few different martial arts schools, before we found World Taekwondo. The other martial arts schools we tried didn't 'feel' right; there seemed to be an emphasis upon aggression, whereas World Taekwondo emphasised self-defence along with respect and self-discipline. Daniel joined in 1998, and over the following few years we all ended up joining in. Of course our middle son Joseph had to be different, so he did Judo for a while, before eventually joining in with Daniel and Matthew. Regrettably, our sons have had to use their skills for self-defence. While walking home from the corner deli one day a couple of kids decided to push one of my sons over and made clear that they wanted to fight. As soon as my sons adopted the stance for self-defence, the aggressors could see that my sons knew how to defend themselves and walked away. I decided to join in when I was 40, and Mary-Anne followed a short-time later. That was ten years ago and the fitness, flexibility, and strength we have gained have been fantastic. It's also great that we have an activity that we all continue to do as a family. Although I am a senior belt to Mary-Anne, when it comes to home life, she is still the boss. Philip McMillan.
My daughter Sophia trains at the Henley Beach Training Centre, she is 10 years of age. Before commencing World Taekwondo she was adamant she wanted to do Ballet, her aunty Georgia who also trains at the Henley Beach Centre suggested she come and watch a class before deciding. Three years later Sophia has her Brown Belt and has become stronger physically, mentally and more confident and focused. She won't miss a class even when the temperatures reach up to the high 30's. She is aiming for her Black Belt and believes she will get there. As a parent I enjoy the social aspect of the club. At exam time I am always impressed with the high quality and standards of each student, the commitment from both students and instructors stands out as they work together supporting one another every step of the way. Olivia Petropoulos.
World Taekwondo is fun and exciting. The things that I enjoy in World Taekwondo are the kicks, power breaking (breaking boards), patterns and sparring. My family is always very busy but with World Taekwondo it is a time when my family can get together and have fun. In World Taekwondo you get to work with all ages and when you pass a grading you feel like you have really accomplished something. I have gained self-discipline and confidence from World Taekwondo which has helped me with problems at school and I know I can defend myself whenever I need to. Tiah Bampton.
As an older person I felt that my flexibility and fitness was declining, and looking for an activity that would maintain my interest I decided to try World Taekwondo. Three and a half years later I can say that I have found the experience to be both enjoyable and challenging. You are able to progress through the grades at your own pace. The atmosphere of other students and instructors is one of cordiality and helpfulness. Training consists of non-contact sparring and drilling of specific movements. Competition sparring is also an option for anyone who would like to participate. I would recommend World Taekwondo to anyone. Julie Morris.
I passed my black belt grading in July 2008 and having continued training, I have maintained the fitness, self discipline, respect and control that World Taekwondo provides. All of these have helped me in life through things like being able to discipline myself to get my homework done in time, or respecting people who are older or senior to me. As well as teaching me to uphold these virtues, World Taekwondo is something I enjoy and I particularly love the challenge of learning and doing new things. Morgan Price.
World Taekwondo has made a world of difference in my son Joshua's life. We lived in the UK and when Joshua was due to start his schooling we returned home to South Africa. A few months later we were the targets of a road hijacking and the effects on him were devastating. Not to dwell on the negativity but, his outgoing demeanour changed to one of hesitance and nervousness and the smallest upset would cause him huge stress. He was afraid of loudish sounds, sudden movements and developed a number of physical stress habits. I was worried that he would never reclaim his confidence and spirit. We immigrated to Australia and enrolled Josh in the World Taekwondo Kids program in 2007. In just over a year that he has attended classes his recovery and progress has been remarkable. Outside of the home environment World Taekwondo has played a large part in building his self esteem, enthusiasm and presence. Week by week he has reclaimed his personal space and strength. A year later the added benefits of doing World Taekwondo are clear to see and he is almost back to his old self again. I have found that where I am able to provide the informal support, learning and caring that my son needs, World Taekwondo gives him the same on a more formalised basis. Speaking as a complete non-expert on the sport it has been obvious from Joshua's improved physical tone, balance and directed energy that he is healthier for the experience. He also has a great deal of fun doing World Taekwondo in the disciplined but enjoyable atmosphere that his Instructor maintains. Joshua has a small album with World Taekwondo photos in it and has written his own comments which are very telling.
"I want to be an instructor and help children be confident and solve some problems."
Josh is always eager to get to his classes and has invited along some friends who have joined up which tells me that his experience has been positive on a deeper level, that he now 'owns it' and wishes to share it with others. I look forward to being even more surprised by his progress and sharing his enjoyment in the future. Charmaine Thomas.
