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6th Degree Black Belt Hapkido

Master Steven Tamanini

 

My Martial arts journey began in 1985 training in Jujitsu under Richard Morgan. I trained there for approximately 2 years reaching the level of Brown Belt, shortly after this the club closed down.

In late 1987 I began looking at other Martial arts and came across Hap Ki Do in a community hall at Mona Vale. It was a Wednesday night when I walked in too watch a class and see what it was all about. When the class finished I knew it was for me, I signed up that night and was training there the following evening.

HKD was exactly what I was looking for.

 

I started Martial arts like many others wanting to learn how to defend myself but gained knowledge far beyond that. The learnings of Hap Ki Do has kept me going all these years. The discipline, respect and etiquette which becomes a way of life inside and outside of the art itself. Many of the principles and philosophies of HKD have helped me shape my path through life.

I have also been fortunate to have trained with so many talented and experienced martial artists, but the knowledge, philosophy and spirit of Grand Master Kim, the Founder of the Australian Hap Ki Do Association put me on the right path of HKD

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A few of my HKD highlights have been.

Study Tour Of Korea

Traveling to Korea in 1995 and again in 2012, the experience from these trips was amazing, seeing the roots of HKD, the ability of the students and instructors is inspiring to say the least. I have learnt so much from all the Grandmasters, Masters and Students, the friendships, memories and fun times that were forged on these trips is something that I will remember fondly.

Turning and idea into  24hr Fund Raising Events

My idea of running a fundraising event came to light with the gathering of students from across all clubs to participate in this event named “HapKiDothon”.

Students came together under one roof to train for 24hrs round the clock, each student was sponsored per hour to raise money. While an extremely tough challenge, the discipline of our art helped us push through those early hours of the morning to continue, resulting in raising over $40,000 dollars at each event. The first donation was to Bear cottage and the second went to the Star Light foundation.

Achieving my Black Belts

1st degree in 1991

2nd degree in 1993

3rd degree in 1996

4th degree in 2001

5thdegree in 2012

And finally my 6th degree in 2025 along with Mitch Wetherell, Ron Rees and Tup Moekaa

Outside of HKD, I am a Personal Trainer operating my business

“Specialized Fitness”

  • Certified Level 3 and 4
  • Certified FRC Mobility Specialist
  • Certified FRA Mobility Assessment
  • Level 1 Crossfit Coach

Along with being employed as a full time Fire Fighter with NSW Fire and Rescue.

My passion for health and fitness and the ability to reach my goals in HKD has been strongly supported by my family. My wife Simonne has always encouraged and supported me through my journey. Both my children started HKD but have moved on to their own chosen sports, My son Luke has excelled in the sporting fields of Rugby and Basketball and my daughter Bianca who excelled in Dance, Singing and Theatre. They are and will always be my inspiration for life

Thank you to my family

I would like to believe that with good health and staying fit I can continue my journey in HKD for another 25 years and beyond, and pass on the knowledge to students that I have been privileged to receive from my instructors and fellow students,

Thank you to all for the blood, sweat and tears, but more importantly the friendships and memories I will cherish.

 

 

 

"Train with Passion"

Steven Tamanini