With a solid Team of experienced Hapkido Instructors, there is never a shortage of things to learn or inspiration to be gained as we take you on your journey towards Black Belt.
Meet Your Instructors
When did you start training
I dabbled as a teenager in Kung Fu for a shorty period and started training martial arts seriously in the mid 1990's. I was looking to improve my fitness and rather than go jogging or joining a gym I started training in Goju Ryu Karate. I enjoyed the fact I was getting fitter and stronger and at the same time learning skills and improving myself both the physically and mentally. I achieved the rank of first Dan Black belt and in 2001 when the karate school closed down I was looking for a new place to train. I visited a lot of dojangs and dojo's on the Northern Beaches and one Saturday walked into the Northern Beaches Hapkido Dojang and have been there ever since.
I dabbled as a teenager in Kung Fu for a shorty period and started training martial arts seriously in the mid 1990's. I was looking to improve my fitness and rather than go jogging or joining a gym I started training in Goju Ryu Karate. I enjoyed the fact I was getting fitter and stronger and at the same time learning skills and improving myself both the physically and mentally. I achieved the rank of first Dan Black belt and in 2001 when the karate school closed down I was looking for a new place to train. I visited a lot of dojangs and dojo's on the Northern Beaches and one Saturday walked into the Northern Beaches Hapkido Dojang and have been there ever since.
Why Hapkido
It's diverse and expansive. The depth of Hapkido means you are never bored and always have something to learn or improve on. It provides practical self defense skills, traditional boxing/hand techniques and kicks, some judo elements, aikido, weapons as well an artistic element through the various patterns.
My Journey so Far
There are the physical benefits which initially attracted me to martial arts and keep me coming back. Through my journey in martial arts I have also discovered many other positive aspects that have helped me in my career and personal life. Such things as goal setting, discipline and focus, always approaching things with an open mind and a preparedness to learn. Humility and being open and honest with myself and others has all come from time spent on the mats. As a result Hapkido has become part of my life
I am now at a great stage of my Hapkido career where I am still learning and improving my own Hapkido but also imparting what I have learned over the years to others.I have been extremely fortunate in my Hapkido journey to have trained with and mentored by some exceptional instructors including Master Geister, Master Marie, Master Tamanini. They have been a great influence on my Hapkido, influenced the way I teach and provided great role models for life in general.
I am also fortunate to train at a great club with a tremendous depth of talented and skilled martial artists including Simon Callaghan (4th Degree), Chad Geister (1st Degree), Mel Thomas (1st Degree) and Will Hurst (1st Degree) and all the senior belts who train regularly.
When did you start Hapkido?
I first started Hapkido in 2004 but took a break in 2012, returning again in 2020.
I first started Hapkido in 2004 but took a break in 2012, returning again in 2020.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
For me, I developed an interest in martial arts at young age after watching a tv series called “Kung fu”. It revealed a world to me of physical and mental development that at the time (5yrs old) I didn’t fully comprehend but it certainly sowed the seed for later on.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
To be able to help students reach training goals and I very much enjoy giving back to the club that has given me so much over the years.
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
I have many interests , sking,hiking etc but what I am most passionate about outside of Hapkido is coaching youth basketball.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
Firstly its first class training facility but what makes the Northern Beaches Club so special are the passionate, dedicated instructors that create a welcoming, supportive environment in which to train and be a part of a positive fun community.
When did you start Hapkido?
I was introduced to Hapkido in my early 20s. My boyfriend Craig,was a blue belt and I went along to watch his grading in Paddington with Grandmaster Kim. I had never seen a martial arts class before and I was inspired by the strong women …and impressed by the boy who went on to become my husband in 1999. As a young girl I had experienced bullying and domestic violence and I wanted to learn Hapkido to protect myself and feel more confident. My Hapkido journey began in 1997 at the North Sydney PCYC and from day 1, I loved it! I travelled to different clubs and trained up to 5 night a week. In 2005, I was awarded the AHA Woman of the Year Award representing my club of, Glebe. My Instructor of many years, Dom Salsiccia always encouraged me to keep training and never give up. After a 9 year break to raise my 2 daughters I am grateful to be back full time and very proud to continue my martial arts journey with Northern Beaches Hapkido.
Hapkido covers so many aspects of martial arts, which one is your favourite or is best suited to you?
I like all the aspects of the syllabus but I have the most fun with the self defence techniques. I especially love multiple self defence, we stand in the centre of a wide circle and demonstrate all the different techniques learned in class against people of different sizes and experience.I enjoy the challenge of laser focus and stepping up to make the most out of the techniques with the least amount of effort. I’m always learning something and discovering my own personal strength.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
It’s a privilege to play a part in a students martial arts journey. Every instructor brings something different to the class and I enjoy coaching my students to channel their spirit and tap into their inner strength. Hapkido to me, is so much more than a syllabus, it’s about personal responsibility, inclusiveness and leadership. I feel very fortunate to pay forward my passion and experience for self defence training in such a supportive and caring environment.
Interests outside of hapkido?
I’am a mother of 2 young daughters, speaker, writer, media commentator and Founder and CEO of the KYUP! Project, a grassroots campaign to break the cycle of domestic violence. When I’m not in the dojang you will find me presenting in schools and businesses nationally on a mission to empower the next generation to raise their standards and champion their safety and well-being.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
Everyone is welcome! Master Geister and the instructors create a safe and fun judgment free zone for all people of all ages and fitness levels. Classes are varied and dynamic and we mix it up from week to week, catering to students of all abilities. Our students are friendly and everyone genuinely looks out for each other. We have loads of fun in and out of the dojang with social events.We are part of a professional national association with a wide network. Our Instructors are always striving to give students the best possible experience.
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
Even as a child I had always been fascinated by martial arts.I watched all Bruce Lee movies when I was young but never got to do anything about it (apart from being a martial artist in my head, with sound, kicks and all). As an adult I never really had the opportunity to begin, but then there was an incident which spurred me on to begin a Martial Art. It was an unfortunate incident whereby my mother visiting from France fell victim to an unprovoked and nasty act of racial hatred. This occurred in the Warringah Mall carpark and really affected my feeling of safety in society so I decided to do something about improving my ability to stand up for myself. I searched for and tried a few other martial arts: I fell in love with Hapkido because in my view, (A) it is very complete (kicking, falling, locks, weapons etc.) which means we cover many aspects of the art, (B) it never attacks but is all about defence, (C) it's very efficient and (D) it is very pragmatic.
Even as a child I had always been fascinated by martial arts.I watched all Bruce Lee movies when I was young but never got to do anything about it (apart from being a martial artist in my head, with sound, kicks and all). As an adult I never really had the opportunity to begin, but then there was an incident which spurred me on to begin a Martial Art. It was an unfortunate incident whereby my mother visiting from France fell victim to an unprovoked and nasty act of racial hatred. This occurred in the Warringah Mall carpark and really affected my feeling of safety in society so I decided to do something about improving my ability to stand up for myself. I searched for and tried a few other martial arts: I fell in love with Hapkido because in my view, (A) it is very complete (kicking, falling, locks, weapons etc.) which means we cover many aspects of the art, (B) it never attacks but is all about defence, (C) it's very efficient and (D) it is very pragmatic.
How Long have you been studying Martial Arts?
I have been training Hapkido for just over 6 years now
What do you like about our Club Northern Beaches Hapkido?
I like the training environment in our club, in particular the mix of intensity and technicalities. This is important, we often push hard physically (and I had to often go beyond the limits I thought I had, mentally and physically), but we also spend lots of time on the technical aspect of Hapkido. The entire crew who train down there, from Master Geister, all of the Black Belts right down to the junior belts make it an enjoyable, relaxed and friendly place to train. While at black tip level I am still at the early stage of my Hapkido journey, and I still have so much to learn. I am particularly attracted to weapon management, and in particular the pole (or in Korean Jang-Bong). I am fascinated by it: spinning and striking while moving with fluidity. What a challenge.
What do you like about teaching Hapkido?
My teaching philosophy can be summarised in 4 words:
Selflessness: whatever I learn from my masters, I will do my best to pass it on to my student. I don't keep anything in my secret box, and share as much as I can.
Physicality: I believe a good martial artist must be physically fit. So in my classes, we will push hard (but fair). I always tell my students:-
If my grandma can do it better and faster, they can do it even better and even faster
-If my turtle (Clementine) can do it, they can do it, as a matter of fact Clementine has been the source of many discussions between my students and I.
Efficiency & Effectiveness: these 2 words are perhaps the most important ones for me. I am not (and I don't want to be) the flashiest martial artist. Nor the fastest. Nor the best. Nor the most beautiful one. I leave that to others. What I try to excel in is my efficiency & effectiveness: in my moves, my strikes, my locks, my kicks etc. to achieve maximised results and performance with minimum energy spent, through the best technique possible. Not an easy thing to achieve, and it will take me even more years to come close to it, but that?s the journey I have embarked on, and the journey I will try to bring my students on.
Fun: I like to laugh and joke. I try to train hard, but always with a smile (whenever possible).
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
It seems so long since I left school, but I never really did dancing or any type of Martial Arts when I was young. At school it was just the usual school sports and swimming which kept me busy. My main motivation for starting Hapkido was to get fit and to gain the 3 C's (Confidence, Control and Co-ordination) in myself and towards others. I wanted to learn how to protect myself and to be more assertive. I was always getting up, going to work then coming back home again. I needed to get out there and have more in my routine life.
It seems so long since I left school, but I never really did dancing or any type of Martial Arts when I was young. At school it was just the usual school sports and swimming which kept me busy. My main motivation for starting Hapkido was to get fit and to gain the 3 C's (Confidence, Control and Co-ordination) in myself and towards others. I wanted to learn how to protect myself and to be more assertive. I was always getting up, going to work then coming back home again. I needed to get out there and have more in my routine life.
How Long have you been studying Martial Arts?
I have been training in Hapkido for about 11 years now.
Do you recall any special moments during your training?
There have been so many goals achieved, and lots of stepping stones in my path to improvement so its hard to pick out specific ones. I was awarded the Trophy and Title of Northern Beaches Hapkido Adult of the year in 2018. This meant so much to me and was definitely not expected.
What do you like about our Club Northern Beaches Hapkido
After starting my Training at Northern beaches Hapkido, I felt included and felt like I was part of a team. Everyone was very friendly, helpful and always ready to support. As a person that did not pick up choreography that easily, going to the tournament , camp and generally training with my fellow hapkidoists have helped me learn to improve these skills and characteristics.
What do you like about teaching Hapkido?
As a women it is empowering to feel safer when walking alone. I feel that I am gaining life skills in confidence and control and coordination. Hapkido helps you learn that it's not all about strength. Anything I can do to help kids, women and other students learn these skills is why I keep coming back for more.
What sort of things do you like outside of Hapkido
I grew up on a farm, I love animals ,swimming and going to the movies. I work a lot, having two main jobs as a preschool teacher then also a swimming teacher for people with additional needs as well as mainstream swimming students. I find doing hapkido and the gym a semi good balance. Over the past few years I have become a more regular gym goer, trying F45 and now crunch. I am trying things I have never would have done before and getting out of my comfort zone. I am enjoying doing Zumba (considering that I have never danced before), kick boxing, box fit, yoga and generally any way I can try and improve my fitness.
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
Even as a child I had always been fascinated by martial arts.I watched all Bruce Lee movies when I was young but never got to do anything about it (apart from being a martial artist in my head, with sound, kicks and all). As an adult I never really had the opportunity to begin, but then there was an incident which spurred me on to begin a Martial Art. It was an unfortunate incident whereby my mother visiting from France fell victim to an unprovoked and nasty act of racial hatred. This occurred in the Warringah Mall carpark and really affected my feeling of safety in society so I decided to do something about improving my ability to stand up for myself. I searched for and tried a few other martial arts: I fell in love with Hapkido because in my view, (A) it is very complete (kicking, falling, locks, weapons etc.) which means we cover many aspects of the art, (B) it never attacks but is all about defence, (C) it's very efficient and (D) it is very pragmatic.
Even as a child I had always been fascinated by martial arts.I watched all Bruce Lee movies when I was young but never got to do anything about it (apart from being a martial artist in my head, with sound, kicks and all). As an adult I never really had the opportunity to begin, but then there was an incident which spurred me on to begin a Martial Art. It was an unfortunate incident whereby my mother visiting from France fell victim to an unprovoked and nasty act of racial hatred. This occurred in the Warringah Mall carpark and really affected my feeling of safety in society so I decided to do something about improving my ability to stand up for myself. I searched for and tried a few other martial arts: I fell in love with Hapkido because in my view, (A) it is very complete (kicking, falling, locks, weapons etc.) which means we cover many aspects of the art, (B) it never attacks but is all about defence, (C) it's very efficient and (D) it is very pragmatic.
How Long have you been studying Martial Arts?
I have been training Hapkido for just over 6 years now
What do you like about our Club Northern Beaches Hapkido?
I like the training environment in our club, in particular the mix of intensity and technicalities. This is important, we often push hard physically (and I had to often go beyond the limits I thought I had, mentally and physically), but we also spend lots of time on the technical aspect of Hapkido. The entire crew who train down there, from Master Geister, all of the Black Belts right down to the junior belts make it an enjoyable, relaxed and friendly place to train. While at black tip level I am still at the early stage of my Hapkido journey, and I still have so much to learn. I am particularly attracted to weapon management, and in particular the pole (or in Korean Jang-Bong). I am fascinated by it: spinning and striking while moving with fluidity. What a challenge.
What do you like about teaching Hapkido?
My teaching philosophy can be summarised in 4 words:
Selflessness: whatever I learn from my masters, I will do my best to pass it on to my student. I don't keep anything in my secret box, and share as much as I can.
Physicality: I believe a good martial artist must be physically fit. So in my classes, we will push hard (but fair). I always tell my students:-
If my grandma can do it better and faster, they can do it even better and even faster
-If my turtle (Clementine) can do it, they can do it, as a matter of fact Clementine has been the source of many discussions between my students and I.
Efficiency & Effectiveness: these 2 words are perhaps the most important ones for me. I am not (and I don't want to be) the flashiest martial artist. Nor the fastest. Nor the best. Nor the most beautiful one. I leave that to others. What I try to excel in is my efficiency & effectiveness: in my moves, my strikes, my locks, my kicks etc. to achieve maximised results and performance with minimum energy spent, through the best technique possible. Not an easy thing to achieve, and it will take me even more years to come close to it, but that?s the journey I have embarked on, and the journey I will try to bring my students on.
Fun: I like to laugh and joke. I try to train hard, but always with a smile (whenever possible).
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I was young and single and living in inner Sydney so initially, I was honestly just looking for some fitness, wellbeing and self-defence. Hapkido quickly drew me with its holistic offering of mental, physical and spiritual practice in the context of a welcoming and ethical community.
I was young and single and living in inner Sydney so initially, I was honestly just looking for some fitness, wellbeing and self-defence. Hapkido quickly drew me with its holistic offering of mental, physical and spiritual practice in the context of a welcoming and ethical community.
When did you start Hapkido?
I started training in 1994, trained for 5 years to Red Belt level. Then, after a twenty-year hiatus, began training again in 2018.
What do you like about our Club Northern Beaches Hapkido
Our instructors are so committed, the culture of the club is very nurturing and family orientated. Plus, there is a real striving for excellence in the art of Hapkido which is rare and valuable without compromising a sense of fun whilst we train together
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
Being a qualified school teacher I have a firmly entrenched love of learning and sharing that with young people. Even back when I first began training, I always wanted to participate in the tradition of learning and teaching that has been going on for thousands of years with this artform. People are generously nurtured through their belts and then, in turn, they nurture others. I was always particularly drawn to the idea of teaching kids and women. It's incredibly rewarding sharing Hapkido with others and watching them develop as martial artists.
What sort of things do you like outside of Hapkido
I'm a mum of three and love to write, cook and travel.
When did you start Hapkido?
In 2009 with my wife, Clare, I started Hapkido. Clare researched and found 3 martial arts centres on the Northern Beaches that she was interested in which I showed to a work colleague who had practised martial arts for many years. He suggested Hapkido due to the fact that he had trained under Matthew Kim previously and was extremely impressed with Matthew. It all started from there.
In 2009 with my wife, Clare, I started Hapkido. Clare researched and found 3 martial arts centres on the Northern Beaches that she was interested in which I showed to a work colleague who had practised martial arts for many years. He suggested Hapkido due to the fact that he had trained under Matthew Kim previously and was extremely impressed with Matthew. It all started from there.
Hapkido covers so many aspects of martial arts, which one is your favourite or is best suited to you?
I enjoy the self-defence elements of Hapkido most. Learning how to move efficiently and effectively is an aspect that I constantly strive for. Plus, the constant reminder that you must use it or lose it, (fitness, flexibility, discipline), keeps me coming back.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
I enjoy the opportunity to be able to pass knowledge and skills that I have been fortunate enough to have learnt myself. Passing on knowledge and skill gives you the chance to improve your own abilities and skill. I find instructing very rewarding.
Interests outside of hapkido?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and the sports it has to offer. I have worked and competed in Whitewater kayaking disciplines from a young age. Having enjoyed working and living abroad for many years working as a Whitewater instructor. I love to snowboard and Mountain bike, and thrive on introducing my daughters to the sports I love.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
From the first day Clare and I entered the world of Northern Beaches Hapkido we felt at home. Friendly, passionate people have come into our lives since that day. We have made lifelong friends. We now have our eldest daughter terrorising the instructors as she has started on her own hapkido journey
When did you start Hapkido?
I started Hapkido in 2018 when I was 11 years of age.
I started Hapkido in 2018 when I was 11 years of age.
What Inspired you to start?
My dad did Hapkido when he was younger and recommended it to me so I thought I would follow his lead.
What motivates you to teach?
Helping people better their skills in martial arts and watching them develop their personalities
What are your interests outside of Hapkido?
Working out and spending time with my friends
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
I like the community that we have as well as the high standard that we try to keep in our training
When did you start Hapkido?
I started training in Hapkido mid-2019.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I started in marital arts at the age of 4 in Shotokan Karate, which I did for over 10 years. Since then, I have trained in, Boxing, Muay Thai, Silat, Kali, Vale Tudo and Krav Maga and, most recently, Jeet Kune Do. When my JKD instructor moved to Port Macquarie in 2019, I was looking for something new to try. I went to a number of clubs across a variety of martial arts and found Hapkido to be the most complete.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
I love the culture of our club and seeing the students grow as people as well as martial artists is incredibly rewarding. I also find that teaching has significantly enhanced my own knowledge and ability as a Hapkidoist.
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
I enjoy a range of other sports including football, golf and cycling. I am a fur dad to 2 rescue dogs (American Staffy’s) and love spending time with friends and family.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
Training under a 7th degree Grand Master and a 6th degree Master, as well as all of the other highly experienced instructors is incredible. Our club offers a range of perspectives and approaches to Hapkido, while staying true to the foundational concepts and principles, providing world class guidance and direction while allowing each practitioner to become their own martial artist.
We have the right mix of fun and hard work with a highly inclusive culture where everyone is welcome. The friendships and connections I have made as well as seen develop through the club is quite special.
When did you start Hapkido?
I started training in Hapkido in December 2015 at the age of 11.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I had a few friends that did it and it seemed like something fun to do after school. Little did I realise that it would become something bigger as I grew and developed my skills further
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
I enjoy seeing the progression people make in my class as time goes on, it’s a very proud moment for me. I also find I learn a lot from my students, I hone my skills and enjoy imparting knowledge just as others have done for me along the way
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
I enjoy going to the gym, I volunteer with the SES and am an avid reader.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
It feels like an extended family. I’ve grown up with a good deal of the people I train with and it’s somewhere I can go and leave any daily struggles at the door and just train.
When did you start Hapkido?
I started hapkido in March 2019 at the age 15 years.
I started hapkido in March 2019 at the age 15 years.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I was switching sports and a family member recommend it. I thought the idea of doing a martial art was super cool.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
I am motivated by my class who continue to turn up and make an effort to improve themselves and their Hapkido week in week out. I am also interest in improving my own skill set and discipline through teaching.
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
Outside of Hapkido, I enjoy going to the gym and staying active generally. I’m interested in technology systems like IoT and cybersecurity. I also make an effort to travel or go camping when I can.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
I like the NBH club because of the friends and training partners I have met there and the quality of the instructors and knowledge there is unlike anywhere else.
When did you start Hapkido?
As a teenager I used to do martial arts and when I moved to Australia, I was looking for something similar but could never find anything that was close by, until years later, 2022, my search started again for my kids and found Hapkido. I enrolled my son and on day 1 of his free trial, I joined immediately.
As a teenager I used to do martial arts and when I moved to Australia, I was looking for something similar but could never find anything that was close by, until years later, 2022, my search started again for my kids and found Hapkido. I enrolled my son and on day 1 of his free trial, I joined immediately.
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I was looking for something that would mentally and physically challenge me, teach me new skills and have an artistic side to it as well. Hapkido offers all of that for me, skills I can take with me for life, whilst having fun and connecting with a great community of people.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
Well because I’m so passionate about it, it is really easy to arrive every day and teach, but what makes it special is to see these young people grow, grasping the technique and making it their own. We are teaching them life skills that they will take with them forever and I am so grateful to have a small part of that.
Interests outside of hapkido?
I love surfing and riding motorcycles. I’m always looking for the next wave or road trips to go on!
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
It is a privilege to train under Grand Master Geister and Master Tamanini, we do not walk away from a class where I have not learned something. Apart from the training, just a great bunch of people that I connected with, no egos, just great people and I get to spend time with my kids, sharing a passion that we share.
When did you start Hapkido?
I started hapkido in late October of 2022, so I was 14 years old
What Inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
My parents put me into martial arts from a young age, at a taekwondo club in Singapore, and my love for the sport grew from there. Martial arts has always provided me with so much mental and physical challenge and development that I always crave. So when I arrived in Australia in 2022, I was keen to find a club and start as soon as possible.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
I feel so privileged to teach as it both benefits my training and connection within the club. Teaching the younger students not only helps me to break down and solidify my techniques but to grow as an individual too. As well as this I always get a kick from coming down and seeing all the kids, parents and being able to interact with the community I am so grateful to be a part of.
Interests outside of hapkido?
I have always been heavily into my sports and have pretty much tried almost anything you could think of. But I’m also one of those people who like to give anything a go and can’t really stick to one solid hobby, so I’ve jumped around between guitar, reading, painting and a few other hobbies.
When did you start Hapkido?
early 2009 after moving back to Sydney from Tamworth, geez that’s along time ago!
I’ve actually taught many of our newer black belts (who have attained their black belt in the last 4-5 years)
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I did Karate as an early teen, when I moved back (to Sydney in 2009) I wanted to get back into it.
I did some research and checked out Taekwondo, Karate, and Aikido clubs across the Northern Beaches. I just liked the “vibe and feel” of the old Pittwater road, Brookvale dojang, I came along and watched one night, deciding I liked the huge mix of skills, self-defence, kicks/punches, falls, weapons. Hapkido really does have everything!
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
Teaching helps to me learn, to break down the individual aspects of techniques, we are always improving.
I teach the kids classes, as I’m not allowed to play in the big pool….. LOL
I enjoy seeing the kids come and enjoy Hapkido, learning and improving and every time, they are becoming a best member of society. That sounds a bit sucky, but the kids. all of them, have grown as young people, as good people in our society, they have improved their self-esteem, self-respect, confidence, respect for others, and social skills, oh and they’ve learned some cool self-defence skills along the way! I’d like to think that I contribute to their growth, and in turn our community.
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
I enjoy a range of outdoor activities, camping, four-wheel driving, building, paddle boarding, and the beach.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
See answer 1 +
BUT what I like more was the welcoming, the Senior Instructor group of the day, as well as the members, not everyone is perfect nor an athlete, and Brookvale Hapkido catered to everyone!
When did you start Hapkido?
I started Hapkido in August/September 2022.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I was inspired to begin my martial arts journey when my interest in defending myself in tough situations grew. However, I was also very motivated to make new connections and friends and try new sports. I also enjoy the focus on fitness that hapkido provides, also helping my flexibility in the process.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
As an instructor, I began coaching to get some volunteering hours for my Duke of Edinburgh Award and learn a new skill. Hapkido coaching also offered a great way to develop my own hapkido skills whilst assisting others with their hapkido journey as well.
Interests outside of Hapkido?
Outside of Hapkido, I am a very active person, balancing my usual school life and studying with multiple other sports. These include football (soccer) both with my school and outside of school and basketball. I also enjoy reading a good novel during my spare time.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido?
At Northern Beaches, there is a wide variety in age throughout the dojang, allowing me to always find someone of a similar age to train with. I am also very lucky to have a large group of friends and there are so many new people I have met so far. The club also has some of the best facilities I’ve seen, with our own training area, kitchen, bathrooms, reception desk and changing rooms. I also believe we have some of the best instructors throughout the Australian Hapkido Association, who frequently teach among the kids, teens and adults classes!
When did you start Hapkido?
I started hapkido in 2015.
What inspired you to start Hapkido and Martial Arts?
I started training in martial arts in 2005 doing Tae Kwon Do because i wanted to learn to defend myself. I achieved my 2nd Dan black belt and teached for a number of years. I moved onto Hapkido as I wanted to learn more and Hapkido offered a wide variety of skills such as hand techniques, grappling, break falling and kicking/punching techniques. I had tried other martial arts such as Kung Fu, BJJ, MMA, kickboxing, and Aikido but Hapkido was the one that really stuck with me and I enjoyed. Now I train not just to improve my self defence skills but also as a way to have fun and calm my my mind after a busy day.
As an instructor, what motivates you to come down and teach?
It's a joy to watch people progress through the belt levels and use things that I taught them. Plus, I find that teaching helps refine and improve my own skills.
What are your Interests outside of Hapkido?
When I'm not training, I love to go for a swim or do some crafts.
What do you like about our club at Northern Beaches Hapkido
I love the spirit of this club. Everyone is there to train towards a common goal and will help each other. Everyone is friendly, warm, and welcoming. It's a great feeling when everyone gathers to bow in to begin training that's hard to describe you just have to try for yourself!
