Chief Instructor Mark Chamberlain

Branch/Region

Chief Instructor for the Macarthur Region
Mount Annan Dojang / Macarthur Region

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

I have been under the instruction of Master Paul Mitchell for the last 8 years. I have in one way or another been doing martial arts since my early teens including 7 1/2 years in the military.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

Achieving my 3rd Dan and breaking 16 roof tiles with a twin knife hand.

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

Basically pain, pain and then some more pain. I trained 4 days week for 6 months.

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

2 nights a week in Taekwondo, 5 to 6 days a week at the gym.

Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

Front leg kicks, most people don't see them coming especially when they are attacking.

What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2009?

Increasing the number of students in the art.

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

Discipline. The importance of discipline in our halls is often overlooked but is such important part of martial arts.

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

Yes, it has given me more patience at home.

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

Always respect others when training and give the you've best got.

What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

Well I am just a big kid at heart so I guess the Xbox would be high on the list. Golf, Motor Racing - watching that is.

Favourite movie(s) and why?

Lord of the Rings - I guess that is because of the mythical nature of the movies.

Favourite food?

Ask Master Paul.

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

Who knows, training I hope. I try not look that far ahead as you can often lose focus on the present.