Pacific International Taekwondo Members Testimonials

Testimonial from Claire and Corey West

At the beginning of 2004, my husband and I were looking for a sport for our oldest child to do. I had seen the ad for PITKD on the back of his school newsletter. I was impressed by the idea of self-discipline and fitness. When I rang Sr. Instructor Margaret, she was so lovely and gave me all the details for the Bracken Ridge branch. Corey started this year and loves it. I decided to join up a couple of months later. Now I am just your typical working mother.

If someone had told me 12 months ago I would be doing Taekwondo, I would have laughed at them. I was doing no exercise, had a very poor level of fitness and was stuck in a rut of watching “telly” every night.

Now I look forward to training. I am only able to train once a week due to work commitments and I get grumpy if I miss that. My fitness level has increased, as has my confidence. Corey and I have been able to train to our own limits and set personal goals to achieve. Currently both of us are going for our green tip belt at the next grading and we can’t wait.

We have been able to incorporate the tenets of Taekwondo into our everyday lives. The instructors at Bracken Ridge are all great. They are friendly, supportive and encourage us constantly. We look forward to continuing with PITKD until we are both black belts.

Testimonial by Zoey Astin

My name is Zoey Astin and I am a 1st kup member of the Bracken Ridge branch under Instructor Warren. I have been training for around 5 years and I am grading for my black belt on the 5/12/2004 and also on the 11/12/2004. Pacific International Taekwondo has done so much for me… it’s helped me achieve lots of personal goals…I’m fitter, slimmer, and more flexible than I was when I first started training at nine years old and I’ve met many nice people through training, - it’s taught me a lot.

It’s great when your friends come along and try it too, its nice to have someone there that you know to train with.

Testimonial from Robert Kerr

Before joining Pacific International Taekwondo I was shy and didn’t have a lot of self-confidence. Now, after nine months of training I am more confident – not only at training but in normal everyday living. I have also met a lot of new and interesting people and I look forward to every training session.

Testimonial from Tom Williamson

I became involved with Pacific International Taekwondo by taking my son to his training sessions for six months, and while I watched him train I began to understand that Taekwondo was not just physical training but also required mental discipline.

I have been in an environment where I have been learning new things all my life, and I enjoy the challenge of learning. I had not participated in any physical activity or sport for over ten years so enrolling in Pacific International Taekwondo was a big step for me.

I am happy to say that I have not regretted it one bit. Sure there have been times when I cannot lift my hands to my head, and I am regularly exhausted from the training. But every time I have a particularly hard training session the next session gets a bit better.

While I have lost about 18kg over six months and feel much better for it, the aspect I enjoy most about Taekwondo has been the mental training. This is most prevalent in the patterns we learn for every kup. Learning new ways to move, stand, and even breathe.

My respect for Black Belts (and all other belts) has deepened as a result, not just for the physical capabilities, but more importantly (personally) for their mental capabilities. While some parents may send their children to Taekwondo to learn some discipline and respect, I can honestly say that I respect my son more as a result of Taekwondo. The opportunity to be involved in an activity with my son is very rewarding.

My fellow students and the instructors I train with are fantastic and incredibly supportive. Consequently I am always looking forward to the next training session. So if you are considering Taekwondo all I can say is ‘Give It A Go’.

Testimonial from Ian Grose (Assistant Instructor - Bracken Ridge)

I’ve done a lot of difficult and “scary” things in my life. I have a sky diving license, pilot’s license with aerobatics and night ratings, and I’ve bungy jumped into an icy cold New Zealand river. None of these were as scary as my first night training with Pacific International Taekwondo. At the age of 40, I had never done martial arts before and in fact had never been very involved with any sport. I was uncoordinated and felt quite out of place with many of the students half my age, some of whom had already earned their black belts.

I felt pretty useless and it was very difficult going back to training week after week. If it wasn’t for the patience and dedication of my instructors and fellow students, perhaps I would have given up in those early days. At Pacific International Taekwondo, everybody trains within the limits of their own abilities. We have some wonderfully gifted students, and some who don’t have a lot of natural talent. Some students are overweight and unfit, and some are uncoordinated. Some are very young and some not so young. It doesn’t matter. Nobody is ever made to feel lacking, as long as they do their best and keep trying. I remember instructors and senior students moving in beside me during classes to help when I was having difficulties. Nobody ever laughed, and I always received encouragement and praise when I eventually mastered a technique. Pacific International Taekwondo is a non-contact, non-competitive art. We compete only with ourselves – always striving to improve our techniques. Apart from the obvious benefits of learning to defend ourselves, we gain self-confidence, self-control, discipline, coordination and perseverance. We learn never to give up. This has a profound influence in everything we do in life. The greatest joy Taekwondo has given me is seeing the influence it has had on my two daughters. They commenced training with me a month after I started and I believe Taekwondo has helped shape them into well adjusted, confident young adults. I know they can look after themselves, so I don’t worry quite so much when they go out at night. They have the training and discipline to avoid placing themselves in danger, and are quite capable of defending themselves if necessary. An added bonus for us as a family is that it has given us an activity we can all enjoy together, and as a result, we are very close. My girls and I are good mates, and this alone has made the struggle all worthwhile. One of my proudest moments was watching my youngest daughter earn her black belt at the age of sixteen. This is a moment we will both treasure for the rest of our lives. Now we are both Assistant Instructors for Pacific International, we have the opportunity to pass on our knowledge and philosophies to new students. It is very rewarding to see others learning, and gaining the benefits we are now enjoying.

Testimonial from Rebecca Shea from Arana Hills

I took up Pacific International Taekwondo in April 2003. I have been training for approximately 18 months now and I can honestly say it has changed my life!

I have found that the training not only enables you to perform physical tasks that you never thought you’d be able to achieve, but it also strengthens and balances your mind.

The inner reliance and self-confidence gained through training not only reflect in your training but also into all other areas of your life so you feel more self-assured.

Pac Int Tkd training helps you improve your mental concentration while you learn to take everything just one step at a time. The fitness levels achieved are amazing, with great instructors encouraging you to take it at your own pace while still pushing you that little bit further so you become fitter and stronger.

The instructors are excellent in finding that inner strength that we all have inside us and bringing it out. They are a constant presence during training, always there to support the class members, give advice and offer extra assistance when we need it.

Whilst the training itself is excellent we also have many great people to interact with. We train individually with our own goals of what we want to achieve but at the same time have the opportunity to create a real team spirit - and when one of us succeeds in our goals then the team shares in the success with them.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering taking up a new activity to consider Pacific International Taekwondo and give it a go!

Testimonial from Harriet and Howard Posner (Parents of Daniel Posner)

In the time my son Daniel has been training with Pacific International Taekwondo what a difference it has made!

It has given him inner confidence and new ways to handle difficult situations with more composure.

Physically his co-ordination, strength and endurance levels have been increased immensely – being apparent in his other physical activities.

We would highly recommend Pacific International taekwondo to others as a great way to get fit and to learn self defence techniques in a non-contact structured environment.

Keep up the good work Pacific International Taekwondo

Testimonial from Karen Bartlett from Ferny Grove (Arana Hills Branch)

I am proud to admit it “I am a Taekwondo Mum!!!” both my daughters Jessie & Courtney Bartlett are members of their local branch at Ferny Grove\Arana Hills. Both girls started in February 2003 under the ever watchful eye of Snr. Instructor Lenny and Instructors David, Matthew & Sharon. Before to long I was driving Jessie to the Albany Creek branch for extra weekly classes. Where Snr. Instructor Shane keeps her on the straight & narrow.

I sit and watch the girls with amazement on how in such a short amount of time they have changed from two shy girls to girls how are willing to have a go and try new things. The pride they have in their achievements is obvious. Each and every grading has become a family event with the girls Auntie & Uncle sitting in the hall eager to see them be put through their paces by Master Instructor.

Our social life is ruled by training nights as I am sure all the club families are the same. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Master Instructor and Snr. Instructor Margaret for continuing to run a wonderful club that truly teaches the students to strive to do their best and for keeping the fees affordable to families.

Like I said in the beginning “I am proud to be a Taekwondo Mum!!”

Testimonial from Jessie Bartlett from Ferny Grove (Arana Hills Branch)

At my parents insistence both my sister and myself started our Taekwondo life in February 2003. Our first night at our local branch at Ferny Grove was frightening. We walked in to see a mass of white uniforms and a wide variety of coloured belts. At that stage I was ready to turn around and walk out. Now I sit and look back to the first night which seems so long ago and I can’t believe the change it has made to my life.

I am now a blue belt/brown tip and have my sights set on achieving a black belt before I turn 15. I train 2 nights a week at Ferny Grove/Arana Hills with Snr. Instructor Lenny and Instructors David, Matthew and Sharon. I also train at the Albany Creek branch with Snr. Instructor Shane. Both the Snr. Instructors are great they have different styles of teaching and I have learnt a lot from their experience. My taekwondo training helped to move into high school with confidence. I have learned to have a go. You can do anything if you just try.

 

Testimonial from Karyn, Matthew & Carlee Hanley

My children and I have been training at the Hendra branch for about eighteen months. During this time we have all gained great benefits from the training. I have noticed a marked improvement in my own and my children’s level of fitness, flexibility, concentration and self-confidence, not only in Taekwondo but in other sports and activities too. Our interest in our training is kept keen with the continuous patience and encouragement of not only our instructors but of all members of the Hendra branch.

The gradings provide us with recognition of our progress and a great sense of achievement, keeping us all keen for the next level of our training. In today’s busy lifestyle, it was a particular benefit for me as a mother to be able to participate with my children in an activity that offers not only respect for themselves but for others. Not only is Taekwondo a great activity it also offers for my husband and I the added knowledge that it may one day allow my family to defend themselves if the need arises. I would highly commend our dedicated instructors and Pacific International Taekwondo to anybody willing to share the benefits as we have. I would like to thank your organisation for the professional training that we enjoy.

Testimonial from Margherita Shakhovskoy

I’m exhilarated because I have just received my black belt.
I began Tae Kwondo four years ago as a mid-age mum in the children’s class which has since grown into the adult class. Sounds strange, however I started with Paul (my youngest son) when he was aged 11. After the first lesson rather than sitting and waiting for him I had the courage to ask if I could join in the back of the class. I was drawn to the stretching and fitness aspect.
Snr Instructor Margaret received me with lots of encouragement. Paul reminds me saying after the first class “wouldn’t it be great if I just got my green belt”.

And that has exactly been my journey in Tae Kwondo. Step by step setting the goals of each grading and slowly growing into the proficiency by working at each level with commitment and consistant training. It eventually all comes together.
I have appreciated the philosophy of the Tenets that underpin Pacific International school of Tae Kwondo and have seen how it has built inner strength, confidence and character in Paul and other young members. Mind you – as a mid aged mum just receiving her black belt, I’m sure that has rubbed off on me as well.

Testimonial from Paul Shakhovskoy

Practise makes perfect as the saying goes, and it’s true. Even the greatest started off as first-timers. I’ve been training with Pacific International Tae Kwondo for 4 years and have recently received my 1st Dan Black Belt.
On my first day and on everyone’s first day, I’m sure, you spy a black belt or instructor who you think is just amazing and so good at Tae kowondo that you think you’ll never be as good as them.
For me it was a junior black belt member. I’m amazed to think that I have become as good and gained my Junior black belt and now my 1st Dan black belt. And now begin training in the role of assistant instructor in the class.

It was all through practice that I achieved this, just plain old practice in training. But you don’t realise just how far you’ve come until you start watching other people say that they aren’t fit enough or are too unconditioned grow themselves. They get fitter, more flexible, stronger, faster and more co-ordinated. It’s not just restrained to the physical side. I’ve seen people receive a huge burst of self-esteem, confidence and whole new view on life, just through doing Tae Kwondo. When I first started Tae Kwondo I was one of those people – shy and unsure of myself. Now I’m that person that I admired on my first day, is amazing.


Testimonial from David Oram – 1st Dan Black Belt, Arana Hills

When I first joined Pacific International taekwondo in 2000 I had no idea of what was in store for me over the next five years. I found out about it when a family friends recommended that I should come along and try it. The first lesson was an overwhelming experience, however I thoroughly enjoyed it and went back again.

The longer I trained the more I liked it and the more I got out of it. I would go home after each lesson and show my family the new techniques I’d learned. Over the years I’ve enjoyed the fitness element of training and benefited from the self-defence skills that I learnt. However the main thing our training has taught me is how to be a stronger person.

When I first began training as a twelve year old, the tenets of Taekwondo (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable Spirit) were just words to be remembered. Now however they have personal meaning. It was not until I was a senior grade that I realized that the things we learn at training are just a means of helping us put the tenets into practice.

While I really value the fitness and self-defence aspects of Taekwondo I feel that my training has helped me most in improving myself as a person. Due to this Pacific International taekwondo has become a very important part of my life and has played a part in creating the person that I am today. I am extremely grateful for my instructors persevering with me and helping me in my quest to obtain a better understanding of martial arts.


Testimonial from Mark Taylor – 1st Kup, Slacks Creek

My name is Mark Taylor. I have been doing Pacific International Taekwondo for eight years. I was going through the Yellow Pages when I came across the advert; after my first training session I thought 'This is for me!'. I enjoyed it and could not wait to go back. The training has given me confidence and I am alot fitter. Pretty soon I shall be grading for my black belt and when I pass I know I shall have earned it. I love doing this martial art and the people I train with are great, friendly, helpful and understanding.

Testimonial from Christopher Lee – Junior Black Belt, Wavell Heights

My name is Christopher Lee and I’m a junior black belt with Pacific International Tae Kwon Do. I train at the Wavell Heights branch. About six and a half years ago I had four free lessons and then decided to join. I progressed though the belts without many problems but once I came to brown belt I started to lose concentration and failed two gradings for black tip. I started to attend senior grade training sessions with the Master Instructor and attended first and second kup training with Senior Instructor Shane and Senior Instructor Lenny, and next time I tried I passed my black tip grading with ease.

Soon came time for my black belt grading, I trained and trained and trained for it for nine long months and on the day I broke every board the first time, performed very well in the sparing and achieved my goal of junior black belt at eleven years of age.

Being a junior black belt and a Junior Assistant Instructor for Senior Instructor John has done me good. It has improved my strength, power, technique and I’m learning all the time. It has benefited me a great deal in other ways too. For example it has given me confidence in different areas of my life and has made it easier for me to achieve goals because I know that with hard work and focus I can do it.

 

Testimonial from Dominic Martin 1st Dan – Arana Hills
I have been doing Pacific International Taekwondo for five years – since February 2000. Now I’m in my sixth year of training. I have learned a great deal on my journey and I’m continuing to enjoy it.
I was initially attracted to the classes because our neighbour was so enthusiastic about it. He had a quiet confidence that I admired and his enthusiasm was infectious so when he invited me to one of the training sessions I went along.

I was nervous as I stepped into the dojang…looking at all the students and seeing them do techniques which I believed I’d never be able to achieve. But after my first session I was hooked on Taekwondo, I loved it. Later I discovered that while I loved it, it was different to what I’d expected. It took discipline and repetition to perfect some of the movements but I stuck with it feeling a sense of satisfaction and achievement as I saw my techniques improving.

Soon I was steadily climbing up the belts, always learning something new and improving my techniques and feeling a sense of accomplishment as I finally managed to execute a certain kick correctly with both power and control.
My greatest sense of achievement was when I graded to 1st Dan in December 2004.
The great thing about Pacific International Taekwondo is that even though I’ve been doing it for five years I’m still learning new things and I still have the same enthusiasm for it – that hasn’t changed since I first began.

What my instructors have taught me and the lessons I’ve learned have not only helped me in my Taekwondo training but have helped me in everyday life too, it’s given me confidence, control, fitness, self-belief and I believe it’s made me a better person.
As I continue in my journey my determination is as strong as ever and I feel rpoud and grateful to be part of Pacific International Taekwondo.

Testimonial from Lucy Marney, 1st Kup – Wavell Heights Center

I started training at the Wavell Heights branch with Senior Instructor John Cassidy about two and a half years ago. I’d always been interested in martial arts and was also looking for something different. I was bored with the monotony of gym classes and thought the motivation of reaching higher belts would ensure that training would always be challenging. I was initially nervous about joining a new group of people, but the Wavell Heights members made me feel at home straight away.

The training has brought so much to my life – fitness, flexibility, confidence, resilience, discipline… the list goes on! Each session gives you the opportunity to work on your technique through patterns, pad work, various forms of sparring and strength/flexibility training. As branch members progress through the belts, we support each other by working in partners and sharing our skills with lower grades.

Taekwondo is as much about attitude as physical ability. Senior Instructor John ensures that every member is pushed to his or her limits both mentally and physically, and the benefits can be seen in both training and other activities like work or study. I’ve learnt the value of having a ‘can do’ attitude. If you convince yourself you can’t do something, you may as well give up now. Taekwondo has pushed me to be positive in my outlook, to move out of my comfort zone and enjoy the benefits.

I’ve had the privilege of assisting Senior Instructor John with the kid’s class for some time now. I really enjoy helping our team to improve their technique and watching them achieve their goals at each grading. I also feel that teaching has made me more aware of my own strengths and weaknesses, both in Taekwondo and in other areas of my life.

Taekwondo has become an important part of my life. I can’t recommend it enough!

Don't judge those who try and fail, judge only those who fail to try.