Instructor
Instructor Adrian King
2nd Dan Black Belt
Hunter Region NSW – Muswellbrook Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? and what got you started?
Since August 2013. I started as my daughter moved from the junior Taekwondo class to the older group and she was very shy and wanted a training partner.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
- When one of the younger members of the junior group I had been instructing broke a board and was so proud of his achievement.
- Another highlight was attending some United Taekwondo competitions with other members of the Muswellbrook Dojang and performing well in both patterns and sparring against other clubs. It was a very unifying experience.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I wasted a fair bit of energy initially on nerves but once I got into the actual grading it all came together. I lost a fair bit of weight when first starting Taekwondo and had improved fitness and flexibility beyond my expectations.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
Muswellbrook Dojang 2 days a week and Mount Olive 1 day per week. I really enjoy the opportunity of training with different groups as it give me more opportunity to learn.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
The 2 board ridge hand break with the back kick a close second.
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
- Maintain flexibility and fitness with purpose.
- Share the knowledge I have gained in Taekwondo with others.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?
- My daughter, son and I have trained at Taekwondo together for years and all have achieved black belt and above. The benefits have been improved fitness, flexibility and shared interest and moments (we support each other with patterns and techniques).
- My children, who both attend Taekwondo, do not get bullied as much at school and I haven’t felt threatened in the workplace since I was a brown belt.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
“Eight Ps” which stands for proper prior preparation and practice prevent p*** poor performance.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Don’t be afraid to make a mistake at training and it’s never too late to start.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
Sailing, cycling, fishing and spending time with my family.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
IP Man The Final Fight . . . no need to say why.
Favourite food?
Chinese style duck.
With regards to Taekwondo, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I hope that I can still contribute, and still instruct junior classes as I find it very rewarding.