Chief Instructor Josh Taumoefolau
Branch/Region
Chief Instructor for the Tonga region
Nuku'alofa Dojang / Tonga region
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I started my training in Tae Kwon Do in 1984 when I was a kid. I remember attending a dojang that was being instructed by a representative from Korea. He demonstrated probably the most impressive martial art techniques I've ever seen. However it was his confidence, discipline and display of passion for the art that convinced me that Tae Kwon Do was what I was looking for.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
I hold four black belts from four different Tae Kwon Do schools (including United Tae Kwon Do). In 2002 I established my own Tae Kwon Do school in Tonga, fulfilling my dream to open and run a dojang. My original students from this school are now a part of United Tae Kwon Do in Tonga. Belts and accomplishments only denote part of the success - my real success is that I'm still enjoying my training in Tae Kwon Do.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
My first black belt grading was easily the hardest. Back in those days, grading for a black belt meant serious physical punishment! Despite walking away with a black eye, bleeding mouth and bruised ribs, I felt as though I had never worked that hard for anything. The gritty pre-training and soul forging was (and has been in times since) a challenging journey where you learn to master yourself. Commitment ends in rewards beyond explanation.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
These days my training is solitary and random because of my occupation. I train wherever, whenever I can. After 25 years training all over Australia and abroad, Tae Kwon Do is a daily regimen of life for me no matter where I am. If I get a spare 2 mins in a day I do push ups. If I get spare time at home I (carefully!) practice patterns in the living room, spare hour I'll go for a run around my suburb. In saying this, I hope United Tae Kwon Do students understand you don't have to be in a dojang or class to practice the art.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
That would be giving my sparring away! Beyond all the fancy moves you learn as a senior black belt, the simple techniques are always the most effective.
What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2009?
The Tonga black belt grading in September 2009 (assisted with Chief Instructor Rory HOGAN) will definitely be the highlight. At this time I hope to solidify the Tonga region for United Tae Kwon Do and look to expand in the islands.
What would you like to see more of or less of in United Taekwondo that could benefit members?
In 2008 and 2009, United Tae Kwon Do released the first edition of the United Tae Kwon Do DVD's for the benefit of members. I cannot think of a better training tool and reference that's available for members outside of the dojang. Back in the early days of my training, I would have begged borrowed or stole for such a resource.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?
Over the years of training, I've been offered rare opportunities, met a great deal of fantastic people, overcome personal challenges, made lasting friendships and reaped the rewards of physical ability and mental discipline. All of this I owe to Tae Kwon Do.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
In this day and age of mixed martial arts, Brazilian jujitsu and the great hype of cage fighting, I often find myself cornered with people who are always asking my opinion on the greatest fighting style. Occasionally I'll take the time to pass on an old expression, one familiar to most people who've studied the art long enough to understand it:
"There are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists."
The best you can be comes from within yourself and the journey it takes to get there, whether that's from your humble United Tae Kwon Do instructor or from styles who arrogantly boast they are the best and promise the world.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
People start training in Tae Kwon Do for many reasons; could be for fitness, for a hobby, for social motives, some just to get a black belt or wanting to learn how to fight. My advice is to stay true to that motivation and commit to it for the long haul. However in saying that, while training open your mind to other possibilities and alternative motivations to aspire to in Tae Kwon Do. If you look deeper into the art you'll find greater reasons to continue training throughout your life. United Tae Kwon Do offers its members a great deal of opportunities in all facets.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
A warrior who knows only way leaves himself vulnerable to attack'. I enjoy a wide spectrum of hobbies/activities/arts perhaps too many to list. I know in ancient Japan and Korea it was urged to learn all the noble arts aside from martial arts such as calligraphy, horsemanship, archery, painting, sword practice, tea ceremony and religious instruction just to name a few. Needless to say, I don't indulge in those activities but I understand it advocates all-round learning for character development, or these days, a healthy work/life balance in martial arts.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
I have so many depending on the message. But since we're talking warriorship, my favourite films that inspire courage, determination and honour are: Braveheart, The Last Samurai, Troy, 300, Gladiator, Rob Roy and the 13th Warrior.
Favourite food?
Seafood! (that's my Polynesian side) I probably eat more fish than meat these days. Salmon would have to be all time favourite.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years?, 10 years?
On a personal level, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years ago I was training hard in Tae Kwon Do. 5 years, 10 years, 20 years in the future I'll still be training hard in Tae Kwon Do.
With United Tae Kwon Do, I hope expand my region exponentially as international Chief Instructor by working hard and remaining focused on our goals. That in itself will keep me busy for at least the next 10!