Instructor
Instructor Martin Fox
2nd Dan Black Belt
St George NSW Region – Lugarno Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I started in October 2014 at the age of 46 ! I’d always wanted to do a martial art and thought I’d left it too late. My son was 10 and we decided we would give it a go together; it was more about getting my son interested in a new sport but I fell in love with it.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
There have been a few and I always felt the excitement in achieving every new belt or grade. But without doubt, getting to 1st Dan with my son by my side every step of the way was a very special moment. We started together as White Belts, not knowing what Four Directional Punch was…6 years later Master Paul was presenting us both with our 1st Dan Black Belt on the same day…a very special moment.
However being offered the chance to run the Lugarno class alongside Instructor Gary was particularly rewarding. If someone said to me 10 years ago, one day you’ll be a Taekwondo Instructor running a class of up to 40 students from age 6 to 60, I’d have just laughed. To be able to share my knowledge with my students and see them grow in the same way I did, is a fabulous feeling.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
To be honest, for a while I thought it would never happen. Firstly, I suffered a Grade II hamstring tear just 5 weeks prior to grading, which set me back a whole year. That was definitely the lowest point in my Taekwondo journey. Then Covid hit, classes were cancelled and we locked ourselves away for a couple of years. But I emerged stronger and more determined on the other side and felt more confident as the big day approached.
Having my son Joseph with me definitely helped me along the way. We encouraged each other right down to the day of grading. We waltzed through our patterns and smashed our way through the board breaks, although sparring was off the cards due to Covid. Shame! Sitting there in front of Master Paul at the end, knowing there was a Black Belt sitting on the table behind him with my name on it, was a moment I will never forget.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
At the moment it’s just 2 days a week at Lugarno. I try to get to Senior training when I can, if my work allows it. However I have my own gym at home and hit that 3-4 times a week for upper body strength to compliment all the kicks we do in Taekwondo. In the summer, I swim every day.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
Move 1 of Saju Jurugi. It’s where it all began!
Move 21 of Ge Baek. I love the 270 degree spin ending with a knife hand low block and forward stance. It just has a good feel to it.
But a particular fave is a chambered side kick, belt height followed by head height.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so, in what way?
Absolutely. For a start, it has brought me closer to my son who now also helps me out in class. It keeps me fit and gives me confidence, but above all, I draw on it when I need to encourage my children, reminding them that anything is possible.
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
At the time of writing (2023) I’m on my journey to 3rd Dan and I know it is definitely achievable. However right now, my goal is to encourage our Lugarno students to challenge themselves, reach new heights and help them on their own journey to Black Belt and beyond.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again [Robert the Bruce, King of Scots 1306 – 1329]
Seeking refuge in a cave, Robert watched a spider trying to spin a web, only for it to collapse every time and the spider fall. Robert was encouraged in his own troubles, by watching the spider eventually spinning the perfect web after many attempts.
Never give up no matter how hard the journey or how many attempts it takes to get there.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Just go at your own speed and never give up. It’s not about catching other students up, or worrying about them passing you. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
Basically keeping fit: gym, swimming, running, wilderness treks. I love photography and I restore vintage Volkswagens. When I find the time, I’m a singer / songwriter / musician with several songs published online.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
This is Spinal Tap. You have to be a musician to appreciate this movie! Anything Star Wars related: my Labradors are called Yoda and Chewbacca.
Favourite food?
Indian, any day. But I could live off hot buttered toast if I had to.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
If my fitness holds out, continuing as an Instructor. 3rd Dan is my current goal…4th Dan would be nice one day. 10 years from now would put me at age 65… ask me again nearer the time.