Branch Instructor Lance Birrell

Branch/Region

How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?

I have been training in Taekwondo for many years, starting in my teens at the age of sixteen. The reason I decided to start training was that I got picked on at school and thought it was time I learned to defend myself. My guitar teacher was also the Taekwondo instructor in my hometown in South Australia, so he invited me to come along. I had to give training away for several years due to work commitments, but now I’m residing in Tamworth I am back training again.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

Achieving my first degree black belt some 20 years ago now, is still the highlight for me.

Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?

I achieved my black belt on the first attempt. It took a lot of training in class as well as at home. I put in a lot of hard work and determination. Even with 9 months of training for this day, after sparring 20 or so Black belts I was extremely exhausted and all this was before my board breaking! I also had to travel long distances to do black belt training with regional instructors which included board breaking sessions.

How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc

I train Two nights per week in Tamworth during class time, which includes helping instruct and teach other students. I practice my patterns at home and also do stretching techniques every day for my Own personal training.

Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

Kicking moves are my favourite. I believe my best kick is my sidekick and I try to teach others in the class the correct technique for this. I also like jumping kicks as they catch people off guard and are hard to defend against.

What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2012?

To train as much as I can and pass on what I have learnt to others. I would also like to train and possibly obtain my 2^nd degree black belt (it’s been a long time coming)

What would you like to see more of or less of in United Taekwondo that could benefit members?

Maybe some demonstration days/nights for our members to show their skills and promote the art for others to see, who might be interested in Taekwondo but don’t know much about it.

Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?

Yes. The training makes me more relaxed at home around my wife and kids, so they benefit from it as well. They also see the respect that Taekwondo has taught me.

Your favourite saying and what this means?

Believe in your goals and you can achieve them.

This is very true, if you put your mind to something and work towards your goals you will achieve them. This is how I have reached my goals throughout my life, but I’m not there yet I wish to achieve more!

Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?

Anyone can do Taekwondo, young or old, big or small it doesn’t matter.

Don’t worry about what others say and do, just concentrate and put in the effort with what YOU have to do. Listen to your instructors and focus on what you need to learn at that time and you will do well.

What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

I am a musician, so I play guitar and sing regularly. Other hobbies are swimming, tennis, table tennis and watching AFL football.

Favourite movie(s) and why?

Action movies and thrillers. My Favorite is under siege with Steven Segal.

The Indiana jones series, and any martial arts movies with Bruce Lee (my all-time hero) ,Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan. I like these movies to see different techniques they use in their specific type of martial art. After watching these movies I feel the need to train!

Favourite food?

Chinese food

With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years?, 10 years?

Hopefully still training (if my body keeps up!) and helping share my years of knowledge with others and gaining further knowledge myself, as I believe you never stop learning.

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