Instructor
Instructor Jessica Tam
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 United Taekwondo in July 2016.
One day my eldest son Kayden came home from school with a United Taekwondo flyer and he desperately wanted to try. I sat aside and watched the class for three months then thought maybe I should have a go. I had my trial lesson and I was surprised how much I loved it! Not long after my whole family joined the training.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
At the 8th regional tournament Kayden, my husband Hendra and I entered the
synchronised black belt pattern and won the gold medal. It was a very competitive round and we were so overwhelmed. This was my very first tournament and it was such a great
experience.
Two weeks after the tournament, the three of us graded. It was such a surreal experience, and we did our very best in our forms, sparring and board breakings and had the best time of our lives. My hand was swollen for a week after breaking four tiles, but it was so worth it!
How often do you train? in Taekwondo? gym? etc
I have two classes a week in Taekwondo.
I go to gym classes 2 to 3 mornings a week after dropping the boys to school.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I was so grateful to have my first black belt grading in 2020 with my husband Hendra and my eldest son Kayden. It was absolutely nerve wrecking given a lot of people around. The board breaking was most challenging for me. Thank you Master Paul for coming to our hall to help me with a lot of practice before the grading.
It took a lot of commitment to prepare for the first black belt grading. Repetition of practice, improvement on techniques and strong motivation.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
I like all the indirect kicks, eg turning kicks, hook kicks and inner/outer crescent kicks followed by a side kick.
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
I would love to inspire parents (especially mums) to start training with their children. Be confident and have fun on the floor! It is such a joy to learn and grow with your family.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
Pay attention to every detail – the stances, the set up and finish of every move, the position of your strikes. Have a strong foundation of the basics; it will create precise muscle memory for your techniques.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – unknown
I had zero physical training before I started taekwondo and PE was one of the subjects I hated most. Taekwondo has changed my lifestyle and I am so glad to be more active.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I enjoy doing volunteer work at my boys’ schools. I regularly help out at their uniform shop and centeen.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
The sound of music – I love every song in the movie and I actually did a play back in primary school.
Favourite food?
Malatang – love the numb and spicy soup.
With regards to Taekwondo, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I would love to see myself still training with my family in the coming years and help our
students to get the best out of them.
In 5 years I want to aim at getting 4th Dan and hopefully keep progressing in 10 years time.