Branch Instructor Daniel Ryan
Branch/Region
Duffy Dojang / Canberra region
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I have been training in Taekwondo for over 13 years. I started because I needed a number of hours of a physical activity for a school program. I stopped doing the school program, but Taekwondo had me hooked.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
My 2nd dan and 3rd dan gradings have been obvious highlights. When I started taekwondo I was not a particularly active person, and never would have thought I could achieve such a high standard in a sport.
Opening the Duffy dojang was another great moment. Over the last few years it's grown to be a great, family filled environment, and I love that after I've locked up there are always still students hanging around and talking to each other - they just don't want to go home!
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I don't remember much about my first black belt grading - the whole event was a blur, but looking back now, there are a couple of parts that stick out. After the grading I settled into a hot bath to try and relax and help with some of the soreness in my muscles. While I was lying there I watched as all these bruises and blotches began to appear all over my body - from the controlled contact in the sparring. These were the signs of my achievement, how much I'd had to put in to get where I was right then.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
I currently instruct at Duffy dojang twice a week. I also try to train at least once or twice a week at other Canberra dojangs. Outside of taekwondo I go running and do weights at home.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
I don't have a particular favourite move, but I'm a big fan of patterns. When you're learning a new pattern and you get it right all the way through, the first time that happens is very satisfying. I'm always trying to make my patterns better.
When two-on-one sparring, I love to pull out a jumping double front kick - that is, jump up and front kick with both legs at the same time (while still sticking the landing).
What are your personal goals for the future?
To continue to build the Duffy dojang and actively contribute to the Canberra region and United Taekwondo as a whole. To raise my new daughter to be happy and healthy (and hopefully a martial artist!).
What would you like to see more of or less of in United Taekwondo that could benefit members?
I love to see people asking questions about what they're doing and why. I don't mean forever interrupting class and being disrespectful, but when given the opportunity to ask questions by your instructor, or in a one on one situation, if you're unsure of the technique or what it's application may be - ask and find out. It may be that your instructor or black belt is not sure and they have to go and find out, so everyone learns.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?
Not my home life as such, but certainly my personal life. Before starting taekwondo, and to a point before I got my black belt, I was a very shy, introverted person. I also had a lot of self esteem issues. Taekwondo has helped me overcome all these things - it helped me come out of my shell and now I can stand up in front of a class or a grading without any problems. Taekwondo has helped improve almost every aspect of my life.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Don't be afraid to try everything the instructor asks you to do. Training in Taekwondo is all about learning new things, and without trying everything, even the things you don't think you can do, you won't get to experience the best of Taekwondo. On the same note, don't worry if you get something wrong, a technique or a pattern. Without mistakes, we don't get to learn the right way of doing things properly. And relax! Everyone was a beginner once and it's hard to do anything if you're so worried you are twisting yourself into a pretzel!
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I'm a nerd at heart, and in my downtime you won't find me far from my Playstation. I love to watch pretty much any sport, and I'll always go for the local team. My wife and I are rugby union freaks and if there's a Brumbies or a Wallabies game on, you can bet we're watching it.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years?, 10 years?
Hopefully with my dojang still going strong (and maybe a second one opened). I'll have two young kids by then (if my lovely wife has anything to do with it), so I hope I'm still able to keep training and passing on what I love about the art.