Hapkido and Taekwondo taught to me by Grandmaster Sung Soo Lee has helped my life and happiness in so many ways as its been the ultimate personal development system.
Firstly my confidence and a feeling of psychological well beinghas stayed with me and only improves as time goes on.
Over the years my fitness , co -ordination , reflexes , concentration , focus and overall self-confidence and self- esteem have improved immensely which has also assisted in my other sport of tennis. I have won 22 events in Taekwondo championships including 12 world titles in the World Championships of Taekwondo in Las Vegas run by the International Taekwondo Council (IMAC) every June in Las Vegas, Nevada USA , I also dedicate these championship wins and my success in Hapkido and Taekwondo to one of the best instructors and Grandmasters in the world Grandmaster Sung Soo Lee who has been an amazing instructor and mentor to me and is a man who I and so many others highly respect and admire.
He has inspired me to reach my peak in my training and teaching and we have such a successful relationship for over 30 years and is like a second father to me who I will always respect and be ever thankful to and am so lucky he has called Sydney Australia home for over 40 years now.
Having the privilege of teaching others Hapkido and Taekwondo has been exceptional seeing them develop into better and more confident people. I have really emphasized to my students the philosophy of non violence , respecting others , politeness , manners and doing the right thing by other people and to develop themselves to their full potential. One of the biggest compliments I have received was when I met one of my Black belt students after many years and he was so exited to see me and I said Great to see you David and how’s life ? and his reply was “Great thanks to you ” and he continued to say not only the confidence of knowing how to defend himself if needed but also my philosophy and my positive attitude to life has really stayed with him.
This made me feel so good and my reply was “thanks Dave I’m sure your parents assisted as well and I really appreciate that and you were an excellent student as well ” On the subject of parents I am a strong believer you are a product of your environment and your parents , teachers ,coaches and friends are all influences and mentors and make a major impression on your attitude to life and your philosophy. On Grandmaster Sung Soo Lee’s membership cards this reads View Rightly ,Feel rightly , think rightly , Speak rightly ,Order rightly ,contribute rightly ,Have rightly, conduct rightly . Grandmaster Lee has an amazing and positive attitude to life himself and really lives by this philosophy which is very similar to my Parents Walter and Aileen so this combination has just made me and my students into better people.
Martial artists just seem to have greater discipline and respect towards others and the physical moves such as the hand and foot movements for a self defence situation seems to have a reverse effect that it makes you more peaceful , respectful , disciplined and much more likely not to fight.
I have always emphasized verbal ways to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation and non aggressive techniques first in any situation. The kicks and punches must only be used if your life is immediate danger or if the attacker has a dangerous weapon and you have no chance of running away, In my career I have heard of approx. 20 of my students that have had to defend themselves however none have caused a major injury to an attacker and just did enough to get away.
A lot of students have also said they have talked the attacker down with some of my verbal methods I have taught them and others have said never had to use the techniques however just makes them feel safer and much more confident.
There is an expression ” Better to know and not need than to need and not Know ” In fact Psychology today magazine did a study that said People who practiced The Taekwondo have lower levels of anxiety , higher self esteem , less likely to be radical and are more socially intelligent particularly those who made it to Black Belt.
I truly believe if everyone practiced the Taekwondo and were taught by a good instructor with great philosophy the world would be a safer place with less crime and less need for drugs or counselingetc as people will develop higher self esteem and self worth.
Taekwondo also overcomes fear and obstacles in life but has to be introduced in the right way. With over 30 years experience in teaching I like to offer a separate beginners class and before they attend ask them to download one of my free video lessons from www.martialartslessonsonline.com . This video teaches non aggressive techniques ,particularly blocks and basic evading and simple self defence techniques. I also emphasize my philosophy of non violent techniques preferably as I have done on all the television segments I have been on as well to let people know that Taekwondo is a life skill and a personal development system.
It’s also exiting that Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport and there is no punches to the head unlike boxing and the so called mixed Taekwondo( MMA)
I think the WTF really need to emphasize we are not associated with or support the MMA and we have a philosophical attitude and a traditional attitude to the Taekwondo and possibly consider taking out the punches from the first few Taeguek forms . The reason is that the students need to mentally grow to understand the consequences of punching someone particularly to the head which in Australia now can be a minimum of 10 years jail known as the “one punch law “.
So I emphasize palm pushes for beginners not punches until I think they are mature enough to understand violence and its consequences.
Taekwondo is the world’s most popular Martial Art and its up to all of us Masters and Grandmasters to keep the tradition and emphasize the many benefits and life skills to improve people’s lives and their life philosophy .
Thank you for reading about my Taekwondo Journey and a big thank you to my instructor Grandmaster Sung Soo lee
WHAT IS HAPKIDO?
The Art of Hapkido
Origins
Hapkido is an art of Korean origin. Its name literally means “The way of coordinated power”.
It was founded by Choi Yong Sul after Takeda Sokaku passed away when he returned to his homeland from Japan. Choi Yong Sul’s principal instructor was Takeda Sokaku, a Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu and sword master of the time renowned for his skills and ability along with his perceptive and intuitive powers. Takeda travelled Japan teaching high profile people including the Police, Military, Army, and Government officials and conducting seminars.
After Choi Yong Sul returned to Deugu in South Korea his ability and techniques soon became very well known in Korea, and many practitioners became interested in learning from him. Many of which have developed their own variations and style of training in their own dojangs. His original techniques are only practised by a few elite practicioners not for business reasons but solely for preserviing the true art form and for the love of the art.
Artform
Hapkido is a complete martial art that consists of dynamic striking and kicking techniques, both hard and soft style deflection techniques, throws, takedowns, ground fighting and extensive joint locking techniques.
Hapkido is a complete, effective combination of all Taekwondo. The art uses a powerful arsenal of spinning kicks, thrusts and sweeps combined with hard and soft fist attacks and defences, nerve and pressure point attacks, wrist and joint locks as well as many twisting and throwing techniques. This enables Hapkidoists to defend themselves in any situation. Hapkido has its own distinguished characteristics.
Structure
The Hapkido structure has more than 270 major techniques, with the possiblity of more than 10,000 variables. The addition of 3,864 attack and defense techniques, to the multitude of counter attakcs and combinations, make for endless flexibility. Once the fundamentals have been mastered, its quite easy to learn and perform the many variations.
Each category is divided in defensive and offensive and each of these have joint locking and striking techniques. Within the joint locking techniques- twisting, throwing, paralysing and strangling techniques are included. Withing the striking techniques- kicking, punching, hitting.
Essence
Hapkido is especially powerful because when attacked you attack the weakest part of the opponents body with stronger means, namely attacking the arteries, veins, nerves and organs thereby altering the opponent to your advantage.
The essence of Taekwondo is competition. The spirit and skill of competition is the foundation of our successful daily lives in society in which we are often confronted with threatening situations. Since any martial art is a means of self defence against an aggressor and further, a defence against injustice, the competition of martial art should be accompanied with spiritual refinement and a sense of patience.
One should understand that martial art techniques are developed as part of history and not by one person.
Are you confident teaching self-defence techniques?
Today’s Martial Art students are aware that they need to learn more than just kicking, punching and blocking. Internet aware beginners are looking for effective self-defence techniques. They are learning to pick the instructor who “knows their stuff” from the one who just tacks a few half-learned, inefficient techniques onto their curriculum.
The dynamic Korean Martial Art of Hapkido is now available to add to your Taekwondo school’s curriculum. Hapkido is a complete Self-Defence system which combines elements of Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Kung Fu. Hapkido blends in exceptionally well as an extension for any Taekwondo style, enabling more variation and excitement for your students. This leads to a better retention rate for your school and will also attract more students.
International Hapkido Moo Hak Kwan offers you the unique opportunity to supplement your school’s curriculum with Hapkido which will benefit beginner to advanced students. International Hapkido Moo Hak Kwan is led by the President Grand Master Sung Soo Lee, 9th Dan Blackbelt. Membership automatically brings membership of the parent body, Korea Hapkido Federation, led by President Oh Se Lim, which is the official, largest and most recognised Hapkido body throughout the world.
International Hapkido Moo Hak Kwan offers you: Rapid Assimilation Workshops These workshops provide the opportunity to absorb the basics of Hapkido in easily assimilated modules. They present an opportunity for you and your students to become familiar with the exciting and challenging world of Hapkido in the familiarity of your own school.
If you should then wish to advance your qualifications, participation in the RAS workshops will be credited toward your participation in the Black Belt Bridging Course. Black Belt Bridging Course As a recognised Black Belt instructor you can add a Black Belt in Hapkido to your list of qualifications.
This course is specifically designed by Grand Master Sung Soo Lee, who has also specifically selected his foremost instructors to implement it. The designated Bridging Course instructors not only teach you the techniques of the Hapkido curriculum, but guide you in the development of the relaxed whip-like style which is the vital component in effective Hapkido.
WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?
Taekwondo is the name of the martial art turned modern international sport which has been independently developed over about 20 centuries in Korea. The Main feature of Taekwondo is that it is a free-fighting combat sports using bare hands and feet to repel an opponent. All of its activities are based on defensive spirit since Taekwondo was developed as a defense against enemy attacks. Taekwondo also serves to improve health, physical fitness and poise of the people practicing it.
Taekwondo-trained people are self-confident, not only in physical aspects but also in their mental discipline, because they have developed superior techniques for personal defense by using their entire bodies. For a Taekwondo person, his or her entire body is a weapon and is easily able to attack and beat off an aggressor with hands, fists, elbows, knees, feet or any other part of his/her body.
The most important fact about Taekwondo as a martial art sport is that it is not only a superior art of selfdefense, but it adds remarkable bon sense to its practitioners. Self-confidence makes people generous in their attitude toward weaker people. They can stand equally against any opponent, but their code forbids unfair assaults or unnecessary use of force. The practice of Taekwondo gives an individual the mental attitude of modesty. the virtues of modesty and generosity are fundamentally based onselfconfidence.
It is obvious that healthy bodies make people active and powerful. Mental and physical self-confidence is beneficial to the mental life of individuals as well as to their families, friends, neighbours and their nation.
A Taekwondo ‘Poomse’ comprises various stances, each with its peculiar nature but each blending into the other. A ‘Poomse’ consists of about two dozen stances interconnected. Blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking are among Taekwondo Poomse and these are properly carried out with hands, fists and feet to the vital spot of the body or target at which they are aimed and the the stances accordingly change forward stance, back stance, cat stance and horseriding stance, etc. as the situation requires. Most typical ‘Poomse’ are Palgye 1-8, Taeguk 1-8, Koryo, Kumgang, Taeback, Pyongwon, Shipjin, Jitae, Chunkwon, Hansoo and Ilyeo.
Taekwondo training is comprised of basic training, Poomse (basic form) and Kyoruki (sparring). Kyukpa (breaking) is for demonstration and for the test of power and technique. Taekwondo requires great mental concentration and it produces almost incredible power.
It is impossible to exercise the developed power against people except at the risk of inflicting serious injury. Therefore, in the past a method was sought to test such formidable power against non-living things like wooden planks, roof tiles or bricks. We call this this Kyukpa. We must realize that anyone can become proficient in this sport because in Taekwondo anyone can properly develop and control their latent power. No special place is needed to practice Taekwondo. During any free time individuals can practice and develop Taekwondo techniques.
In modern times, Taekwondo has become an amateur sport. It has become a modern world sport with the tradition and spirit of the martial science maintained. The WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) was officially admitted into General Association of the International Sports federations (GAISF) in October 1975. Taekwondo was officially accepted by CISM as its 23rd official sport at its Executive Council Meeting in April 1976. The World Games under GAISF auspices included Taekwondo as its official program. The WTF was granted recognition by the International Olympic Committee at its 83rd General session in Moscow on 17 July 1980. International Council of Sports & Physical Education admitted WTF in 1981. General Assembly Meeting of Pan American Sports Organization (OPEPA) on August 12, 1983 adopted Taekwondo as its official sport in the Pan American Games program. The IAKS, an international organization of sports and leisure facilities, accepted WTF as its affiliated member on October 30, 1983. Propagation of unified rules and regulations is rapidly implemented through international referee seminars, instructor seminars and exchange visits and booklets under the auspices of the WTF and member national federations.
In 1996, member countries of the WTF totaled 144 and the global Taekwondo population is estimated at
30 million people. Spurred by the recognition of Taekwondo by the IOC at its 83rd General Session in 1980, Taekwondo has been rapidly developing an international sport. It was adopted as a demonstration sport of the 24th Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the 25th Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Taekwondo was adopted as an official sport of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games at the 103rd Session of the IOC held in Paris, France on September 4, 1994. Taekwondo has consolidated its position in the world sport as fast as any other martial art. Continental championships are hosted by four member regional unions of the WTF.
There is World and Women’s World Championships, World Cup Taekwondo, CISM Taekwondo Championships and FISU World University Championships. Taekwondo is being played as an official sport in most international multi-sport games such as World Games, Pan American Games, All Africa Games, Southeast Asian Games and Central American Games.
The Taekwondo uniform is neither expensive nor luxurious. It is designed to fit for free body action. It is believed that the white colour of the uniform signifies the purity and origin as well as convergence. There are belts, i.e.: black, red/black, red, blue, yellow and white. Each colour designating the degree of graded proficiency possesses by the one wearing the belt. A white/yellow belt is for the beginner, a blue belt is worn by persons of the 6th to the 4th grades of Gup (blue signifies youth and ambition). The red belt is for trainees graded 3rd to 1st Gup and the black belt (signifying dignity) is for the Taekwondo expert who holds the 1st grade of Dan or higher. Red/black belt (Cho Dan Bo) is for those before black belt (preliminary black belt). The Kukkiwon is authorized to conduct promotional tests and issues certificates for 1st Dan or Poom and higher in accordance with the Rules & Regulations of the World Taekwondo federation.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF TAEKWONDO
The origin of Taekwondo in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded 37 B.C. since mural paintings found in the ruins of the royal tombs built by that dynasty show scenes of Taekwondo practice. Taekwondo was also practiced during the Silla dynasty. Korean culture and Taekwondo of the period were strongly influenced and enriched by the Hwarangdo, a military, educational and social organization and noble youths of the Silla dynasty. The code of honor on which the Hwarang was based was loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to one’s ‘parents, faithfulness to one’s friends, courage in battle and avoidance of unnecessary violence and killing.
Archaeological findings such as mural paintings on the royal tombs of the Koguryo dynasty, the stone sculptures of pagodas of temples produced during the Silla period, and scattered descriptions in written documents show that many fighting stances, skills and formalized movements closely resemble the present stances and forms of Taekwondo. Therefore, it can be inferred that people in the three kingdoms practiced an art very like the one we study today.
In the history of Koryo, Taekwondo which was then termed “Subak” was practiced not only as a skill to improve health and as a sport activity but it was also encouraged as a martial art of considerably high value. Subak is believed to have gained its highest popularity during the reign of King Uijong, between 1,147 and 1,170 A.D. This period roughly corresponds to the era that includes part of the Chinese Song and Ming dynasties, during which the Chinese “Kungfu” became widely popular. This is worth noticing as it further shows that Taekwondo is not only of a pure Korean origin but it has achieved independent development throughout the long history of Korea.
What is very important about Subak in the Yi dynasty is that there was a book published to teach the game as a martial art and that it became more popular among the general public whereas earlier it had been to a certain degree monopolized by the military in the preceding Koryo dynasty. King Chongjo published “MuyeDoboTongji,” an illustrated textbook on Taekwondo, which included Taekwondo as one of the major chapters. It is obvious, therefore, that Subak became an important national sport and attracted much attention from both the royal court and the general public during the Yi dynasty.
However, in the latter half of the Yi dynasty, the importance of Subak as a martial art began to decline due to negligence of the royal court, which was constantly disturbed by strife between feuding political factions. As a result, Subak remained merely as a recreational activity for ordinary people.
Taekwondo in the first half of the 20th century:
Along with the deterioration of national fortunes, the fall of the military was accelerated by the dismantling of the army; finally Japanese imperialists colonized Korea through an oppressive forceful invasion. The oppression of the Korean people by the Japanese imperialists worsened, and the practicing of Taekwondo, which could have been used as a means of revolt, was forbidden.
However, Taekwondo persisted in the spirit of the Korean people as a physical and spiritual training method of anti-Japanese organizations such as the Independence Army and the Liberation Army, and as a legacy which had to pass on to the younger generation.
After liberation from the Japanese invasion on August 15, 1945, those with an aspiration to revitalize the traditional art of Taekwondo taught their followers, and at last, on September 16, 1961, the Korea Taekwondo Association was established. On February 25, 1962, the Korea Taekwondo Association became the 27th affiliate to join the Korea Amateur Sports Association. On October 9, 1963, Taekwondo became an official event for the first time in the 44th National Athletic Meet. Its great leaps in the development of competition rules and protective equipment started with that meet.
Korean instructors began going abroad to teach Taekwondo in the 1960s, which could be called a turning point in the history of Taekwondo. Taekwondo made its way to the world sport through the 1st World Taekwondo Championships held in Seoul, Korea in May 1973 with participation of 19 countries. At the Seoul meet held on May 28, 1973 on the occasion of the championships, representatives of those countries established the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
In 1996, member countries of the WTF totaled 144 and the global Taekwondo population is estimated at 30 million people. Spurred by the recognition of Taekwondo by the IOC at its 83rd General Session in 1980, Taekwondo has been rapidly developing an international sport. It was adopted as a demonstration sport of the 24th Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the 25th Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Taekwondo was adopted as an official sport of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games at the 103rd Session of the IOC held in Paris, France on September 4, 1994. Taekwondo has consolidated its position in the world sport as fast as any other martial art. Continental championships are hosted by four member regional unions of the WTF. There is World and Women’s World Championships, World Cup Taekwondo, CISM Taekwondo Championships and FISU World University Championships. Taekwondo is being played as an official sport in most international multi-sport games such as World Games, Pan American Games, All Africa Games, Southeast Asian Games and Central American Games.
Some people believe that Korean Taekwondo was originated from Kungfu, the Chinese selfdefense art. According to a Chinese document, the Chinese art of self-defense is believed to have been initiated as a sort of physical exercise when the Bodhi Dharma taught the monks of Hsiaolin Temple in Tungpung County, Honan Province, China. Bodhi Dharma, a great Indian Buddhist Zen master, came to China in 520 A.D. and spent nine years at Hsiaolin Temple where he introduced the art of self-defense. However, if we recall that the mural paintings of Taekwondo in the ancient tombs of Koguryo belong to the period 3 A.D. to 427 A.D., it cannot be said that the Korean Taekwondo owes its origin to the Chinese Kungfu.
No detailed record is available when Karate, the Japanese self-defense art equivalent to Taekwondo, was initiated. There are twofold explanations about it. One explanation is that a Chinese named Chen Yuanpin, who lived in the late Ming dynasty, was naturalized as a Japanese and imparted the Chinese “Kungfu” to the Japanese people. The other explanation says that Karate is a developed form of “Okinawate,” a self-defense art indigenous to Okinawa.
However, when the Okinawate itself began is not known either. In order to trace the origin of Okinawate, we might rely on “The Historical Record of Chosun(another name for the Yi dynasty)” which only says that envoys from the Ryukyu Island made frequent visits to bring tribute to the Kings of Chosun.
At that time in Korea, “Subak”, an old name of Taekwondo, has gained great popularity among the people, and therefore it is not unlikely that the envoys from Okinawa learned that game and introduced to their people. This speculation is not too absurd when we recall the fact that “Nul”, the Korean seesaw, was also adopted by the people of Okinawa from Korea. It may be concluded that the Japanese Karate, in turn, derives from Taekyon or Subak, the primitive form of Taekwondo.
PHILOSOPHY OF TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO, the Korean Martial Art, has evolved through time and has been a means of an individual’s freedom and expression. It purifies the spirit as it trains the muscles and mind. Taekwondo has been described as a state of mind and also a way of life. It seeks control of the mind over the body through strict discipline and development of a positive moral character. Taekwondo demands sacrifices, self restraint, kindness, forgiveness and a love of one’s fellow human beings. Reverence for all forms of life is one of the most important principles of Taekwondo. The power that is learned is tremendous and therefore, it is the power over life and death.
The task of learning Taekwondo may be a difficult one that will make great demands on the body and spirit. Union of mind and body in harmony is the essence of the art of Taekwondo and concentration and physical discipline are the two major components of success to a concerned martial artist. Dedication to Taekwondo takes a certain understanding of the basic principles and from this primary comprehension, one can expound ideas and determine the more intricate meaning of the art.
In training the mind’s insecurities, doubts and apprehension must be abolished. Of course this comes over a period of time. As one becomes proficient physically, many mental blocks due to insecurity disappear. A clear, open mind is the only kind which can get the true meaning of Taekwondo.
With good intention and a clear mind, one will be able to link body and mind in order to make the best of both physical and psychological space and to deal with an opponent properly whether the opponent be another person or an insecurity. Because death or the fear of dying is a major obstacle, one must encounter this in the study of Taekwondo. Facing the fact that in defending one’s self, one also risks his/her life. Once this fact is accepted the mind can think more clearly and the body reacts more quickly, thus protecting ones life more effectively.
Reaction, more so than thought process, is the essence of self-defense. Anticipation rather than reaction can be dangerous. One might anticipate a move incorrectly. However, one can train the body to react without wasting time to think or risk guessing the next move of the opponent incorrectly. Through the development of security, self assurance and knowledge, one can learn to focus one’s energy. This is the development of the focal point, the centre of mind, and body, the focal point of energy. Because energy can be so concentrated, far greater power both mentally (endurance of emotional stress) and physically (the ability to endure pain and optimize the use of one’s physical strength) is possible.
Comprehension of principles and acceptance of them is a must. Understanding that the young sapling tree can withstand a snow storm far better than a strong sturdy older tree, one realizes that giving way is as important as blocking or an offensive move. As the tree gives under the weight of the snow, so does every other living thing have the ability to protect itself. Although birds do not run well, we cannot ignore the fact that they can fly and we cannot, when judging their awkwardness on ground.
We too have a good deal of awkwardness, although in the instance of Taekwondo much of this can be changed. Years of practice and meditation enables the Taekwondo practitioner to be in harmony with his/her body and mind. Only with with harmony can one successfully practice the art of Taekwondo as it’s very essence is the union of the two.
TAEKWONDO POOMSE
Taekwondo Poomse is meant by a “Form” in which a self-practice is devised to be performed in following the lines of movement in a systematic and consecutive way against an imaginary opponent or multi-opponents by using various Taekwondo techniques of hand and foot.
Through practicing Taekwondo Poomse, we can apply the techniques of hand and foot and the changes of stance learned from the basic techniques adaptable to actual fighting. It also provides us with the effects on improving flexibility of body and being skilled in strength control, balance control, breath control, eye control and concentration of spirit, as well as cultivating a martial art spirit through its mental discipline.
MEANING OF EACH POOMSE
• TAEGUK: This represents the most profound oriental philosophy from which philosophical views on the world, cosmos and life are derived. The TaegukPoomse consists of different movements in sequence. the vital points of the Poomse are to make exact the speed of breath and action and move the body weight properly while executing speedy actions. Thus, we can fully realize the main thought of Taeguk.
• PALGYE: Supplementary Training. The thought of Palgye, another concept of the ancient oriental philosophy, implies symbolically all the phenomena of man and universe.
Janine Dale – West Pymble Public School Parent
Dear John,
I am writing to thank you for the dramatic impact your Taekwondo & Self Defence Classes have made on my children.
After only a few terms of training I have seen a great improvement in their focus and concentration in school and across all other areas of life, but most importantly a new found confidence. This is not an arrogant “I can beat anyone up” confidence, but a sense of security and maturity.
I believe a huge part of this comes from the philosophies and good old-fashioned values you place as much importance on, as the physical side of training. You make the classes fun, but still command respect while encouraging honesty, integrity, motivation, discipline and important life skills such as conflict resolution. I feel children today do not get enough exposure to these important attributes and having them reinforced outside the home supports our words as parents within.
You are an outstanding role model not just in terms of individual accomplishments, but what you see possible for each and every child in your positive approach and helping them believe they can do whatever they put their mind to.
I regularly turn up early to classes to be inspired by your words and am so grateful you impart this to our children. My favourite bit is when you ask “What have you done for your parents around the house this week?” you show us respect as parents too and reinforce the teamwork it takes to be a family. Thank you for helping my boys shine.
Warm Regards,
Janine Dale | West Pymble Public School Parent
Learning Taekwondo with Mr Gill has improved my confidence, discipline and self-esteem. It is also fun and a great way to keep fit. Earlier this year we did a self-defence segment on “the mornings with Kerri-Anne show.” The show was about anti-bulling and I demonstrated a few self-defence moves. It was fun and a whole new experience!
Kieran | age 12
22nd September 2011
To whom it may concern,
John Gill worked with Prep to Year 6 students at Ferntree Gully North Primary School. He conducted Safety and self-defence clinics to our school, in which students were engaged and motivated. His ability to effectively communicate with and instruct students was particularly evident with all the Children. His professionalism and commitment to the teaching of self-defence and children’s safety is to be commended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Gill for dedicating his time and effort and providing our students with a valuable experience.
Yours sincerely,
Claudia O’Neill | Physical Education Teacher ,Ferntree Gully North Primary School
8th October 2009
To Whom it may Concern
Dear Sir/Madam
Myself and my son, Ryan, have attended self defence classes with Mr John Gill for the last 3 years. Attending these classes has improved our fitness, self confidence and self esteem. John has taught my 12 year old son valuable life skills such as respect for teachers, women and consideration for myself and my husband.
John Gill is an multiple world self defence champion and is an excellent role model for Ryan and other children as he lives his life according to the discipline that he teaches. John is a very considerate, respectful and generous person.
I have also had the pleasure of assisting John in presenting his popular SAFE seminars. This program teaches women and children important protective and safety skills, including verbal and pyschological methods of avoiding violence and sexual assault. In addition, John’s enthusiasm and passion makes the program extremely motivating, empowering and fun.
I highly recommend John Gill and his self derence and motivation programs to everyone. Please contact me if you require further information.
Kind Regards,
Janice Pavey | PNA, DFS, JP, Reg. Tax Agent
Hi everyone exiting news that I have won the Self Defence and Korean Forms divisions in Las Vegas at the USA Winter Internationals ! I Would like to thank Jim Chappel for partnering me in the self defence routine and also congrates to him on his third place in his weapons division. This is my 17th major title in the USA and a big thank you to my instructor for over 30 years now Grandmaster Sung Soo Lee who taught me Hapkido and Taekwondo . Also thanks to to my students as I have enjoyed teaching all of you and this experience has also made me a better Martial Artist and I am still enjoying teaching Martial Arts , self defence and the Motivational workshops.
