Skip to main content
CONTACT US OR BOOK A FREE SESSION HERE
Back to Instructors

Branch Instructor

Instructor Andrew Jackson

4th Dan Black Belt

Campbelltown NSW Region – Bradbury Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?

I started training in 2008, at the Elderslie branch of United Taekwondo.

My daughter Alana, was training there and had recently attained her Black Belt. I would go for a run or bike ride while she trained. In time it finally dawned on me that I could be training with her and getting a workout as well.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

I have numerous highlights to mention.

  • Every Black Belt grading was a milestone that I didn’t think I would achieve.
  • Being trusted to run a United Taekwondo Dojang.
  • Training with my daughter as an Instructor gave me a sense of pride that I rarely felt.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?

I trained for 18 months for my first black belt. I went to every hall in the area up to four times per week. I was the only Back Belt applicant at that grading, so all eyes were on me, at least that’s how it felt. It was in December, and it was warm, very warm. After doing my pattern, board breaks, and sparring with all the Instructors, I was standing in a pool of sweat receiving my Black belt. It was one of the hardest days of my life, but one of the best.

How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
  • I train as much as I can while I teach classes. If I tell the students to plank, I plank with them. If there are odd numbers for partner exercises, I will join in and partner a student.
  • I train with Master Paul whenever the opportunity arises.
  • I keep fit by riding my bicycle, about 4-5 times per week about 300kms total, and race most Sundays.
  • I occasionally go for a run if I can’t ride for some reason.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

I like jumping back kick and skip side kick.

What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?

I am training for 4th Dan, something I never dreamed I was capable of.

Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so, in what way?

Taekwondo has taught me patience and focus.

Your favourite saying and what this means?

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at” Bruce Lee

If you target an unachievable goal, it will keep you going and moving forward not plateauing. If you aim low, you achieve low. Aim for something unreachable and you take yourself further than you expect.

Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
  • Just do it.
  • Don’t say “I can’t” say “I can’t yet”.
  • Just do your best
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

I like riding bicycles. I train about 10 hours per week and race most Sundays. I compete all over the State in towns such as Cootamundra, Tamworth and Gunnedah. I compete in State and National Championships.

Favourite movie(s) and why?

The Shawshank Redemption

It tells the story of a wrongly convicted man and his patience and perseverance.

Favourite food?

Nothing fancy, I can’t go past a nice piece of salmon.

With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
  • If all goes well, I will have my 5th Dan.
  • I hope I will still be out planking 18 year olds when I’m in my 60’s.
  • As for 10 years, a lot can happen.