More than just a Martial Art

The Queensland Self Defence and Taekwon-Do Academy offers more than just tuition in the martial art of Taekwon-Do.  It offers students the opportunity to be part of a group with simular interests and goals to protect and improve our life styles.  It has been proven that an active life style helps to keep us fit and young and ultimately may increase our life expectancy.

I have been a member of the Academy for four years and I would have to say that I would not be the person I am today without the help of the Academy Instructors.  My journey began when I took my eldest daughter to a Taekwon-Do club just a block away from where we lived.

We entered the hall to see the students and the Instructor doing their start of class warm up.  Instructor Jackson invited my daughter to join the class for a try out.  I sat down to watch my daughter.

As the class progressed Instructor Jackson asked if I would participate in the class as they needed even numbers of students to do some self defence techniques.  I was partnered with another adult student and the class continued.   I learnt my first self defence technique, raising my left hand to block an inward swinging punch and then grab the attackers wrist and twist it upwards to gain control of the attacker.

After the class Instructor Jackson suggested that I should join as a student with my daughter because kids are more willing to attend class if accompanied by a parent and that it would do me some good as well!   So I took his words of wisdom home with me that night and slept on it!

The following week we both joined and attended two classes a week for a whole year. Not all goes to plan because my daughter decided that Taekwon-Do was not for her, but I continued training.

I was the type of person who never wanted to stand out in a crowd.  Now four years later, I am still training and enjoying the benefit of my efforts…  I have lost weight!  My sugar levels are more stable.  I feel fitter and I am more confident!

I have this to say to any prospective student… make the journey to a better life style and you will be rewarded for your efforts!

Norman Ward
1st Dan Assistant Instructor/Webmaster
Avenell Heights Branch
Wide Bay Region