Instructor
Instructor Jasmine Lucas
1st Dan Black Belt
Macarthur NSW Region – Mount Annan Dojang
How long have you been training In Taekwondo? and what got you started?
I started Taekwondo in 2016 at the Mount Annan branch as I heard about it from a family friend who was a blue tip at the time. From seeing how much she loved it, I became eager and excited to join the community, and I have maintained this attitude ever since starting.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
Some of my highlights would be participating in internal tournaments, attending the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMAHOF), and working my way towards earning my black belt.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
My first black belt grading took place at the Mount Annan branch at the end of 2018, where I worked hard throughout the night by breaking boards, sparring and doing my forms. Leading up to this grading, I took up an extra lesson per week at the Narellan Vale branch in addition to my training at Mount Annan. This hard work and the extra classes brought me to successfully earn my black belt, (and now my 1st degree), by improving areas of my skillset and mindset.
How often do you train? in Taekwondo? gym? etc
I train at taekwondo twice per week plus senior trainings. I also participate in external sporting activities throughout the week.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
Turning kick and spinning heel kick.
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
I aim to progress as far as I can – not only in rankings but in terms of my personal development – and continue to increase my level of confidence by learning as much as I can.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
“Failure is not the OPPOSITE of success, it is PART of success.”
It shows you that making mistakes and learning from them is what sets you on the right path towards achieving your goals.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
My advice would be to not hesitate to give something a go, as most of the time it’s not as frightening as you anticipated it to be.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I enjoy playing softball, taking on new outdoor adventures (such as abseiling), spending time with family and friends, reading, and watching Netflix.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
There are too many great movies to choose from – but my two favourite genres have to be comedy and thriller.
Favourite food?
Chicken
With regards to Taekwondo, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
10 years is a long way away, but I aspire to still be teaching, learning, working with others and extending this passion to other students – as well as progressing in black belt rankings.