Spirit Taekwon-Do

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is the modern form of ancient Korean martial arts and Japanese Karate. The founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong-Hi, combined the various martial arts that he had studied into one martial art, Taekwon-Do, by refining the best techniques from each of those arts and applying scientific formulae and military tactics. General Choi then proceeded to introduce Taekwon-Do around the world, culminating in the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

Taekwon-Do is famous for its spectacular flying kicks. However Taekwon-Do is much more than just that! The physical movements of Taekwon-Do are taught in a systematic fashion, allowing anybody to start training at their own level. The process of training in the martial arts develops much more than physical ability though. Through the discipline of training over a period of time the student will develop a strong morality and high self esteem. This is particularly important for children, who can learn many important life skills through training in Taekwon-Do.

As well as the kicking and striking techniques, Taekwon-Do teaches practical self defence, and promotes physical fitness, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit.

Taekwon-Do in New Zealand

Taekwon-Do was introduced into New Zealand in the 1960s and has since grown to the point where our national organisation, the International Taekwon-Do Foundation of New Zealand, now known as Interntational Taekwon-Do, has over 60 schools spread throughout the country. International Taekwon-Do coordinates much of what we do, maintaining the integrity and consistency of Taekwon-Do in New Zealand.

We are often able to learn from the experience of very highly qualified instructors who regularly come to New Zealand to conduct seminars for the senior belts. Also New Zealand’s own Master Instructors are very active in teaching Taekwon-Do in New Zealand and overseas.

Taekwon-Do in Wellington

Taekwon-Do in the Wellington region is strong, with Dojangs throughout the Greater Wellington region.

The region’s schools often get together for combined trainings, regional tournaments, training camps, and social functions. The region’s instructors meet regularly to organise these events and to keep everybody up to date with the latest developments.

Spirit Taekwon-Do

The Spirit Taekwon-Do Group Inc. is a non-profit incorporated society, of which all paid-up students of any of our schools are members. Spirit Taekwon-Do currently has four schools, training in locations throughout Wellington.

The Brooklyn School was opened in July 1995 by Mr. Brett Kraiger (4th Dan Black Belt) who is now the Head Instructor for Spirit Taekwon-Do. Classes are held in Vogelmorn Hall on Sundays and Thursdays and are now run by Ms Louise Chan (3rd Dan) and Mr Wylie-van Eerd (3rd Dan).

The Thorndon School opened in October 2005 at Thorndon Primary School. It trains on Monday and Thursday nights, and is instructed by Mr Don Martin (2nd Dan)

The Karori School opened in November 2007, and currently trains out of two locations. On Mondays it is located at Kelburn Normal School and on Fridays at St John’s Hall in Karori. The instructors are Mr Simon Lloyd-Evans (2nd Dan) and Mr Malcolm Doidge (1st Dan)

The Brooklyn Children’s class started in 2008 and is a dedicated environment allowing children to have fun as well as learning the important skills which Taekwon-Do teaches. (Including etiquette, respect, courtesy, goal-setting and many other life skills). The instructor, Mrs Helen Miller (3rd Dan), has a particular affinity with children.

We emphasise the non-physical aspects of the martial arts as well as the physical side. Our basic tenets of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit are very important to the instructors and students.

For an introduction to Taekwon-Do, the beginners class is the ideal place to start.