Branch Instructor Yvane Fifita

Branch/Region

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

I have been exposed to martial arts since a young age when my father started training in Karate. My sister and I would try to mimic his moves and enjoyed watching martial arts movies or action figure programs. I didn’t start training seriously in Taekwondo until 2001 when my friends’ father Naisa Lolomanaia started after school Taekwondo Classes. Eventually Naisa found and joined a local club Chief Instructor Josh Taumoefolau had started in Tonga. We followed and have stuck by Chief Instructor Josh ever since.

Highlights of your Taekwondo success?

The most recent highlights of my Taekwondo training have been receiving my black belt and becoming branch Instructor for United Taekwondo in Tonga. This was a highlight because earning a black belt has always been a dream of mine and becoming an Instructor offered me a new and exciting platform for further developing my skills and learning in the martial arts as well as the opportunity to share my passion with others.

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

My first black belt grading was a life changing experience and is one of the most physically and mentally tiering challenges I have ever faced, but like my mama used to say...”life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”, In my case it was a few bruises, a injured foot my black belt and a SMILE upon my Chief Instructors Face!.........’OUA.

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

I like to train 6 days a weeks. Each day is different. I try to get as much physical activity as I can into a week. Training for me involves riding my bike as often as I can, playing team sports such as touch rugby and’ Ultimate Frisbee’ with friends, swimming, dance rehearsals, instructing taekwondo classes twice a week and doing my own taekwondo training whenever I can. During especially busy weeks I sometimes find myself training during study breaks, on the beach when the family is resting or in the afternoons when I’m feeling particularly good after handing in a big school assignment.

Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?

My favourite moves are continually changing as my knowledge of the arts increase. Anything new I learn is always a favourite. I remember a front snap kick and basic side kick being my favourite moves. Now I enjoy practicing spinning kicks, any jumping kicks and other combination attacks. However the basics will always be my foundation and I value their simplicity and effectiveness.

What are your goals in Taekwondo for 2009?

There are only a few months left for 2009, so I don’t have much time left, but my goals are to successfully conduct my first grading in December, promote the school to the wider public and prepare the school for the launch in March of 2010.

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

I have been really impressed with the standard of learning and support that United Taekwondo offers its members. I feel that the resources and information provided to members is extremely valuable and I hope to be able to translate some of this material for the benefit of Tongan speaking students. I would also like to attach some photographs to the handouts explaining the basic techniques for the easy reference of younger students and non English speakers.

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

Aside from the physical benefits that Taekwondo offers, there are also many benefits to all other areas of life. The codes of conduct and principals taught through training in a martial art have strengthened and moulded our individual characters and enhanced the values practiced in our home life such as, respect, responsibility, honour, self motivation, diligence and communication. Personally, Taekwondo has helped me develop self awareness and self control. It’s an interest I share with my four sisters, so it’s a big part of our daily life. Training has influenced our relationships with each other in so many ways. I have learnt that the martial way is a way of life and not merely a series of fancy fighting moves. It’s no use practicing and developing qualities such as discipline, commitment, goal setting, flexibility, respect, tolerance, courage, creativity & leadership, during training if you’re not going to apply and live these qualities outside of the training session.

Your favourite saying and what this means?

I really like the following quote. It’s pretty straight forward and always inspires me to do new things, push my boundaries and overcome my fears.

“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. Only the person who risks is truly free” – Anonymous.

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

Train Hard, Enjoy the Challenges, and have fun Learning new things. The reward of self mastery is priceless.

What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?

I enjoy dancing, team sports, photography, painting, drawing, sketching, editing & movie making, snorkelling & diving, music, building and fixing stuff (basically any work that involves problem solving and working with my hands), socialising with friends and eating!!!!

Favourite movie(s) and why?

I don’t have a favourite movie. Some movies I’ve really enjoyed are IP Man, August Rush, The Last Samurai, Fearless, District 9 and lots lots more. We watch a lot of movies in Tonga, because it’s usually better than TV.

Favourite food?

It’s got to be Tongan Food. I love the traditional Lu Dish, Tropical Fruits, and Raw Fish ... Actually I’m a fan of all food. Food is like music, Sometimes you feel like one flavour and other times you crave something different.

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

In 5 years I see myself still training hard in Taekwondo. I look forward to building up the Tonga Branch to become a valued and respected part of the community. I hope to have earned my 3 Dan in at least 5 years and in 10 years maybe Chief Instructor Josh will have succeeded in teaching me to sing.

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