Instructor
Instructor Alex Bahn
3rd 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 because I was being bullied in school, and I’ve been training ever since!
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
Helping our students to get the best out of themselves. Whether they are applying for a yellow belt or a black belt, it is satisfying to guide students to find their best on the day.
How often do you train? in Taekwondo? gym? etc
Usually now I train 2 times a week for taekwondo and 2-3 times a week at the gym.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
Turning kick followed by a skipping hook kick off the front leg. I love these kicks because of the momentum they give in a spar and they are also a lot of fun to practice as well!
Your favourite saying and what this means?
I don’t know if I have a favourite, but this one I related to:
“Your legs are not giving out. Your head is giving up. Keep going!” – Unknown
Like anything, taekwondo can be a mental battle. But in my experience, when I’ve pushed through excuses, I’ve been pleasantly surprised how much more I could do! So, if you don’t mind, it won’t matter.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
A lot of hard work! My Mum and I trained together in 3-4 classes per week over many months to help get us ready. I faced an ankle injury in the lead-up but was ultimately able to overcome that and we were both promoted; Mum to first degree and I reached my black belt.There was a lot of relief after the grading from finally getting it done!
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
To help our students find something in themselves they didn’t know they had, and so, to pass on the self-confidence that United Taekwondo has given me.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Persevere! It rarely comes naturally for anyone (me included), but you will go a long way if you are willing to learn and have some fun! Try and pick up one new thing a week, and you’ll be surprised how far you go!
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I enjoy spending time with my church family throughout the week. Just a couple highlights are being a leader at the youth group on Friday nights and worshipping together on a Sunday morning.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
I love the characters! They’re an unlikely, witty band of heroes who’d never met before. and yet, they all come together against the odds. The story also feeds directly into the original film, ‘A New Hope’, so I also really love the backstory that Rogue One gives.
Favourite food?
Difficult choice, I could say a lot here! But I’ll go with Chicken Tikka Masala. Creamy curry packed with spice and good veggies too. It’s certainly one of my favourites!
With regards to Taekwondo, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
If I get there, in 5 years I want to keep pushing to improve my skills and knowledge. I think if this is my aim, I can continue to help to also get the best out of our students. By this time, I would love to have achieved my fourth-degree black belt. It’s a great source of motivation for me now to continue to push to get the best out of myself.
In 10 years, I’d love to still be training and learning. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in
taekwondo, it’s that you never stop learning. It’s an enjoyable challenge!