Branch Instructor
Instructor Nicole Bahn
4th Dan Black Belt
St George NSW Region – Hurstville South Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I started training in late 2010 with my eldest son, who was 8. He was getting hassled at school and I thought learning a martial art would help him with that. I figured that he wouldn’t practice what he was learning unless I joined too. One class and I was hooked! My younger son and husband have since joined as well.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
I have had many memorable Taekwondo moments. One of the first was breaking my first board at the 2011 Christmas break-up party at Lugarno with a side kick. I never thought I would break it; but somehow I kicked and the board broke. The best moment so far though was getting my black belt along with my eldest son in December 2013.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I had a difficult lead-up for my black belt grading. I discovered a few months before I went that my sore knee was far worse than I had thought (and the other knee wasn’t much better than the bad one). My doctor told me that I could probably make the bad one last until the following April (2014 – he really didn’t fully understand how stubborn I can be…). So I decided to train as hard as I possibly could, in case the doctor was right. I went to classes 4 nights a week, and Saturdays.
My son and I both went to the October Grading. He twisted his ankle badly doing his pattern and I had an asthma attack during the sparring and couldn’t keep going (there were really bad bushfires at the time). Both our gradings were continued so we went back to training to prepare for the next grading.
Our gradings were continued at December Grading and we were both successful in getting our black belts (along with 12 others – it felt great to be part of one of the largest black belt gradings I had ever seen). It all felt worth it when Master Paul tied our belts on! (even though mine was tight enough that I couldn’t take a deep breath all afternoon!!!)
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
I teach at Hurstville Tuesdays and Saturdays and practice beforehand or join in where possible. Learning from different Instructors helps me improve different facets of my skills.
Other than Taekwondo, I like to walk my border collie with my family on weekends.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
Inward crescent kick followed by a back kick. Nice if you can land it properly! I also like skipping in kicks.
What are your personal goals for the future?
To never stop learning.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
“A Black Belt is a White Belt that never gave up” – Unknown
The only thing that will stop you from succeeding is yourself.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
You’re never too old!
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I love reading and spending time with my family (including my dog).
Favourite movie(s) and why?
Rebecca – Great romantic escapist movie. I also can’t go past a good comedy.
Favourite food?
Indian or Mexican for eating out. At home I can’t go past a roast dinner – preferably lamb.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years time I see myself having achieved my fifth degree black belt. In 10 years time I see myself still training and instructing, which I really enjoy as it’s great helping students achieve their goals.