Instructor
Instructor Hendra Santoso
3rd Dan Black Belt
3rd Dan Black BeltSt George NSW Region – Hurstville South Dojang
How long have you been training In Taekwondo? and what got you started?
I started training with Haysen from September 2016. My oldest son Kayden started
taekwondo first, followed by my wife. Seeing a positive change in them, both physically and emotionally, inspired me to join as well.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
I won two gold medals and a bronze medal in the 8th regional tournament. Point sparring was hard earned. I got punched in the nose, slap kicked in the jaws and punched on the mouth. Blood was shed, pain endured and I finally got the gold.
Our synchronised pattern with Jessica and Kayden was probably one of the highlights of the tournament. We are united as one and I am so glad that we did this together and won the gold. Tremendous achievement!
How often do you train? in Taekwondo? gym? etc
I train twice a week in taekwondo – something that I always look forward to do with the
family after a busy day at work. I also love doing cardio boxing at the gym weekly on
Thursday. Sometimes I partner with my mum at boxing. She’s even more active than me,
going to the gym 4-5 times a week. Sometimes, doing 3 consecutive classes in a row. What a beast and such an inspiration!!
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I graded with my wife Jessica and Kayden. It was fun but intense. I enjoyed the board
breaking sessions.
It took great determination, perseverance and motivation to improve on my techniques,
strength and endurance so that I was ready for the big day. It was a big thing for all of us to get the black belt promotion.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
My favourite taekwondo move during sparring is question-mark kick (set up as a front kick but finished with a turning kick on the head). It tends to catch people off guard and take them by surprise.
My other favourite move is in one of my black belt pattern ‘Juche’: jumping back spinning
heel. It is a very difficult move but gratifying when landing on the perfect spot. You have to be warmed up to perform this kick.
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
To continue to improve myself physically and mentally. To be an inspiration and role model to other students, and coach them to be great martial artists.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
Technique, technique, technique!
What this means is whether you are doing your pattern or sparring, focus on your techniques, improve your core and basics and everything will flow naturally.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Have an open mind, observe and learn, listen to constructive feedback and continuously
improve. Find your passion and get someone close to you to join and motivate each other.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
Sleeping during my days off and spending time with the family.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
Jackie Chan’s old classic movies.
I enjoy the stunts. They are exciting to watch and cleverly played.
Favourite food?
I enjoy any type of cuisines with great depth of flavour and spiciness.
With regards to Taekwondo, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Hopefully, 4th Dan in 3 years and 5th Dan in 7 years and continue to improve on my skills and enjoy my taekwondo journey as a student/instructor with United Taekwondo!