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Categories » Inspiration

Fight for Change and the mystery of martial arts!

Many people who have taken up a form of martial arts like Taekwondo will tell you they experienced a somewhat magical transition where the practice became not so much a part of their life, but a way of life.

And through this process, their club becomes not a place where they turn up once or twice a week to train, but something inside of them.

This was how it felt when Taekwondo Central and its members gathered behind me in support of Saturday’s Fight for Change event, hosted by Hitfm breakfast radio presenters Jesse and Juelz.
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Secrets of success from a Taekwondo World Champion, personal trainer mum

Whether you see your future self on a podium or just in a better place than you are now, new Taekwondo World Champion Joanne Licastro’s story of transformation and triumph provides an inspiring mandate for achieving goals, not just in martial arts, but in life. And central to her success, she believes, was one key ingredient… 

As a 28-year-old, West Australian mum of two, Joanne Licastro walked into her first Taekwondo training session feeling nervous and with the simple aim of “not dying”.

Fast forward 15 years to now, and Jo is standing on a podium in an Eastern European country with Gold around her neck having been named a World Champion and the Australian National Anthem playing in her honour.

How does that happen? Continue Reading »

Dear Middle Aged White Belt: An Open Letter

I see you there, as I look over my shoulder from the middle of the class to where you stand in the back row.

One of only a few without a dobok and the only adult among all those kids.

I know. You wish the floor would mercifully open up and swallow your giant self, whole.

Right now you’re thinking this, being here, trying something new like Taekwondo, was a mistake.

I know. Because not so long ago at all, I stood where you are right now, thinking the very same thing.
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6 Taekwondo Tips from Australia’s most-qualified female instructor

Get comfy because you are about to receive 6 truly spectacular tips for Taekwondo training offered selflessly – with humility and without hesitation – by a World Champion several times over AND one of Australia’s most highly-ranked, highly-qualified and MOST decorated women in the sport…

Given the chance to chat with her one-on-one, what would you be burning to ask?

Taekwondo tips from Grand Master Carmela Hartnett

When I had the honour recently of speaking with WTF 8th Dan Black Belt Grand Master Carmela Hartnett, in my usual fashion, I peppered the poor woman with as many questions as I could fire off in the time allowed.

Pop, pop, pop. Take a breath. Pop, pop, pop.

I had a lot more too since I’m certain she’s one of the most fascinating women I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing.
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Stages every Middle Aged Beginner Martial Artist goes through

If you’re like me and have taken up Taekwondo (or any form of martial arts training) in your 40s or similar, I’m willing to bet you just might have experienced a few of these stages…

1

I suck at EVERYTHING!

2

Master a new technique. I’m the KING of the WORLD!!! 
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The Benefits of Martial Arts

And why the profound effect?

Andrea Harkins – aka The Martial Arts Woman – is a published author of two motivational books, a martial artist, instructor, motivator, blogger, and speaker. Kristy Hitchens – aka The Mortal Mouse – took up taekwondo just over a year ago after watching her son train for five years. As a newspaper journalist and freelance writer she made sense of the journey by writing about it. When she discovered others could relate to the benefits of martial arts she experienced, blogging seemed an obvious step.

This is what happened when their minds came together from opposite sides of the world, Andrea in Arizona USA and Kristy in Australind, Australia…

KRISTY

Something seriously weird has been happening to me.

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Can martial arts be friends with music?

Talking about music and martial arts in the same sentence feels a bit like poking an ants’ nest with my big taekwondo toe.

I miiiiiiiight JUST get away with it unharmed or…

I may exit the scene shortly in a vast hurry with a few savage bite marks.

Either way! Where some will fear to tread, The Mortal Mouse will dive right in.

Stand by dear reader: Here it comes!

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What happened when Mom Courtney took up Taekwondo

Meet Taekwondo moms from around the world who have made the later-in-life decision to take up martial arts and hear about the profound impact it has had on their lives…


When Courtney started her Taekwondo journey age 39, she was the ONLY student in her class for adults. It has since grown to 8 and Courtney says becoming a Taekwondo mom has given her peace, fulfilment and a part of herself she thought had been lost forever…


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What happened when Mom Sylvia took up Taekwondo

Meet Taekwondo moms from around the world who have made the later-in-life decision to take up martial arts and hear about the profound impact it has had on their lives…


When she swapped the gym for her local dojang just to keep her two boys company as they started their Taekwondo training, mom Sylvia says she would never have believed the ‘world of inspiration and friendship’ she would find there…


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What happened when mum Kelly took up Taekwondo

Meet Taekwondo mums from around the world who have made the later-in-life decision to take up martial arts and hear about the profound impact it has had on their lives…


Inspired to jump back into the training she started as a teenager by her two sons who were discovering a new love for Taekwondo, mum Kelly Rowe is now preparing for her Black Belt exam. So empowered by the impact Taekwondo has had on her life now, Kelly has already begun working as an assistant instructor in her club…


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