Master Instructor Paul Mitchell

For more information on Master Paul, click to see the Founder page.

Branch / Region

Greenacre Dojang / St George Region and
Narellan Vale Dojang / Macarthur Region

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

Been training for over 30 years and have always had a passion for Martial Arts from the day I saw my first Bruce Lee Movie. At the age of 16, I was involved in a self defence situation with no idea of how to defend myself. I began training on 7-8-78.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

• Successfully establishing United Taekwondo
• Nominated for Australian of the Year 2006
• Inducted into Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2008
• Nominated for Pride of Australian Medal for Community Spirit 2009
• National All Styles Tournament 2009 & 2010 - National Titles 2nd Place
• Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2010 – Best Educational Service

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

After five and a half years of preparation I wondered if I had what was required to be promoted to black belt. I had practiced my pattern hundreds of times and was only required to demonstrate my pattern once. The first free spar was against a senior student that had great technique and more reach. I was going well until I performed a jumping back kick and placed both feet on his chest. My confidence grew immensely and I realised I had what it takes to be a Black belt. They sent in more black belts to spar, but after training seven days a week I was conditioned to receive anything they gave out. The last requirement was the board breaking and on my first two attempts I was unsuccessful in breaking two board side kick. Then I heard the Master yell out "Last Time". That was all the encouragement I needed as I thought to myself "I have not come this far to stop now" and with that I smashed the boards so hard that I broke the front board in three pieces. Turning kick and jumping back kick went as expected but I hit the hand of the holder for spinning heel and was unsuccessful on breaking a single board. I was only given one more chance to pass my examination. The Master Instructor asked me to break two board elbow strike. Only two weeks before I had achieved three boards so I line up with only one purpose. I broke the boards and took out the two holders and everything was on the ground. The Master was so impressed he yelled out "Promoted to First Degree Black Belt". Everyone in the room celebrated with applause that seem to last forever and I had achieve my dream of being a Black Belt.

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

It is a part of my life and I train and teach seven days a week.

Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

It would have to be a spinning heel and a jumping back kick. I have practiced them so much that they have become naturally quick and accurate.

What are your personal goals for the future?

To always be proud of who I am and what I do.

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

More adults experiencing taekwondo.

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

It gives me a better understanding of my own family and their needs.

Your favourite saying and what this means?

If you think you are beaten, you are. 
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you would like to win, but you think you can't
It almost certain you won't.
If you think you will lose, you are lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will-
It's all a state of the mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go to,
The stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.
By BRUCE LEE.

Believe in yourself, we do. Set achievable goals and build your confidence for life's challenges.

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

Focus on technique

What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

Golf, Tennis, Pool and Table Tennis

Favourite movie(s) and why?

Mr Holland's OPUS. The year is 1965. Glenn Holland, a composer who is convinced he is destined to write a historic opus, takes a job as a music teacher to pay the bills. As the years unfold the joy of sharing his contagious passion for music with his students becomes his new definition of success. Mr Holland's Opus - his symphony - is not one of fame or fortune. It is a symphony of life.

Like Glenn Holland, I will always put others first. The enjoyment I receive when other people are successful is so rewarding that it becomes my enjoyment in life.

Favourite food?

Chinese and especially salt and pepper calamari. You will need to know that to pass your Black Belt test.

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

5 Years - 6th Dan and teaching internationally

10 Years - 7th Dan and establishing a sister school in Korea.