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Branch Instructor

Instructor Paul Darlington

2nd Dan Black Belt

 

Northern Rivers NSW Region – Lismore Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?

I started at 5 years of age as I have always wanted to learn a martial art.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

1st Dan Black Belt – Rhee Taekwondo
1st and 2nd Dan Black Belts – Yuns Taekwondo
2nd Dan Black Belt – United Taekwondo

These are my highlights that keep me going and wanting to teach more people that they can achieve more if they want to and nothing can hold them back.  Master Paul and previous Masters and Instructors all gave me something which I could never repay, so for that I am truly grateful.

Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?

First black belt grading was very intense physically and mentally. I was training 5 days a week resulting in a lot of bruises, but it was well worth it in the end.

How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc

I have just moved due to work reasons but will be training 1 day a week initially, then hoping to be able to make it at least twice a week.

Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

540 spin kick, one I had been working on for a few years.

What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?

Personal goals would be to reach master level and to pass on my knowledge to people who would love to learn.

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

Taekwondo has taught me respect and patience which I use on a daily basis at work and in home life.

Your favourite saying and what this means?

Treat each other as you would like to be treated

Means a lot in taekwondo and in mainstream life cause if you treat each other with kindness and respect it will come back to you.

Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?

I say go for it! Don’t let anything hold you back.

What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

Fishing, cars, motor bikes and my kids.

Favourite movie(s) and why?

The Green Mile

It teaches us to never judge a book by its cover.

Favourite food?

I love all sorts of food.

With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

5 years time I’d love to see myself still teaching taekwondo in a couple more halls.

10 years time I’d love to see myself close to master level passing on what I have learnt from all the great instructors and students because you can’t become a great instructor or master without learning from both.