Branch Instructor Tui Thompson
Branch/Region
Brighton Le Sands Dojang / St George Region
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I am one of the young ones, I began training March 2007 one month after giving birth to my son. I finally got the nerve to join in after watching my daughter for 2 years (now a black belt). Then I weighed a massive 90kg and had gestational diabetes, today I weigh in at 58kg, a great way to loose weight and keep it off. Master Paul would tell me to take it easy because my bones were still soft, that only motivated me more.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
I have many highlights becoming the Branch Instructor at both Carlton and Hurstville south Branches, teaching Antibullying, Secretary General, 3rd Place NAS Women's open black belt forms. I try to make everyday a success. Where do I find the time? What time?
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
14 months white to Black Belt, yes the pressure was on, training wise I trained four nights a week with Master Paul and sparring Master Paul every night. I practised my patterns up to 50 times a day. The night before my grading I didn't eat or sleep much, I was so nervous.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
I train 6 days a week, I get up at 5:30am every morning and go the gym, I am home by 7:30am. Back at the gym to join a Body combat class (great way to get some moves). Most days depending on the weather I then go for a walk after breakfast. Mid afternoons are always filled with teaching kids Taekwondo in Anti bullying or the AASC program. Then I teach taekwondo four nights a week.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
I don't really have one, hopefully something that is fast and will score points in a tournament.
What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2009?
To expand both my centre's, go to NAS State titles championships and NAS Nationals in Melbourne. 2nd Dan in October. Grow United Taekwondo
What would you like to see more of or less of in United Taekwondo that could benefit members?
Instructors coming together at seminars or camps and a lot more adults in the art.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so in what way?
Gives me more time to spend with the kids, the little one is coming along to classes now, hoping to join him in Feb 2010, when he turns three. We have already got the bowing and punching down pat. Taekwondo has changed my life and Master Paul has been a main contributor to this, I owe him a lot and I try to repay him by being the best Instructor to my students and running the centres in accordance with the teachings he has taught me hoping somewhere along the line I can change some ones life for the better as he has done mine.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
If I can do it anyone can, all you need to do is practise, practise while the toast is in the toaster, practise in the shower, practise in front of the TV (good for focusing - and blocking out, need this when you get to a black belt, with all those people watching), practise in the park. Key word = PRACTISE!
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
It will hurt at first (no you won't get knocked out) eventually your muscles will get use to it, hang in there it does get easier, Taekwondo is one of the best things you could ever give your life, the rewards are amazing.
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
I enjoy the gym (my family call this my other home), love watching NRL and going to the games (Go the Mighty Dragons!).
Favourite movie(s) and why?
I don't really have one and don't get much time for TV or movies, but anything that feels good. The Green Mile etc…
Favourite food?
I love food! All food however Thai is my most loved food, however in saying this I have in the last 12 weeks eliminated all sugar and carbs from my diet, so lately I can only dream of eating what I like.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years?, 10 years?
Hopefully still teaching, and dropping doing more letter box drops, by then I would have covered the St George region.