Chief Instructor Randall Jones
Branch/Region
Chief Instructor for the Upper Hunter Region
Muswellbrook Dojang / Upper Hunter Region
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I have been training for 31 years. It was about the time Bruce Lee starred in Enter the Dragon. The fitness and kicking was unbelievable.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
It gives me great pleasure to see my students pass their Black belt grading. Also it was good to sit with my wife Julie for our 2nd & 3rd Dan Black belts a few years ago. But I would have to say that getting accepted into the Australians Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMOHOF) this year would be the biggest surprise, I still can’t believe it.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I remember my instructor telling me to go outside the hall and practice a single board side kick as I had never broken a board before. During my grading I only had my instructor and assistant instructor to spar as we did not have any other black belts. I was knocked down twice during the sparring section. What it took to get there was not a great deal to me because I have always trained hard for all different sports. As well as Taekwondo, I was playing squash, riding motocross and lifting weights all at the same time. I love sport.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
I train twice a week with my class, train at home with pattern work, 2 to 3 times a week with weights or boxing.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
My favourite move is Outer Crescent kick with the left front leg followed up by a right punch.
What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2009?
In early August I have to put on a display for my Induction to AMOHOF and in late August I have my 4th Dan grading so I expect to be busy that month.
What would you like to see more of or less of in United Taekwondo that could benefit members?
If the students took advantage of all that United Taekwondo had to offer, they would be busy enough. With training, gradings and competitions that should fill in their spare time.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?
Both my wife and I are instructors, it gives us a common interest and probably has keep us together for the past 24 years.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
If its easy to attain everyone would have one and it would be worthless - meaning your black belt should be hard to get.
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Don’t look at black belts and think that there is so much to learn. Look at the people one level above you and see how close you are to achieving that level.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
Boxing and weight lifting, I don’t get time for much else.
Favourite movie(s) and why?
National Treasure 1 & 2. I like the twists and turns and how it shows that if you believe in something strong enough anything is possible.
Favourite food?
BBQ Salmon
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years?, 10 years?
In five years time I hope to be getting ready for my 5th Dan grading.
In ten years time I hope to be close to retiring from my full time job and to start full time instructing.