 |
In association with Wavelength Media |
|
Ross Campbell
At what age did you start learning Taekwon Do ?
I was 24 when I started with ITF. I had previously belonged to Willy Lim’s club when I was 18 but I had never graded.
What ITF club did you first join and who was your Instructor ?
I started Taekwon Do at the Te Awamutu Club in 1986 under the instruction of Mr Davidson.
When did you become a 1st Dan ?
I became a 1st Dan in 1990.
You are now Instructor of Waikeria Hawks Club – did you set this club up ? How long has it been running ?
Waikeria Hawks Club started in 1996. Some of the Te Awamutu students who worked at Waikeria asked if I would start a club to save them traveling. For the first six months Waikeria ran under the umbrella of the Te Awamutu Club. At that stage Te Awamutu and Tauranga Clubs were part of the Auckland Region, but with Waikeria, Hamilton and New Plymouth Clubs starting it gave us five clubs in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Region and that is how the Midlands Region came into being.
Have you been an Instructor at some other Club before Waikeria Hawks ?
No, but I did assist in instructing a lot at the Te Awamutu Club through the years because Mr Davidson, being a police officer, did a lot of shift work and often had to leave trainings to his senior members, of which I was one.
What are some of your greatest achievements in Taekwon Do ?
My greatest achievement would have to be the Waikeria Hawks Club – watching my students reach their goals.
What has been the highlight of your Taekwon Do Career to date ?
There have been many highlights over the years, but the ones that come to mind are –
Ø Going to America to the International Masters Seminar with all the seniors from ITFNZ
Ø Running the 2002 ITFNZ Nationals in Hamilton
Ø Helping my students reach their Black Belts – especially my son
Ø Reaching my 3rd Dan
Ø Having a student of mine get into the World Team
Ø Seeing my Instructor become one of the first Masters in New Zealand
Have there been any major disappointments in your Taekwon Do career ? If so, what ?
There are always disappointments, but for me personally it was when I lost my leg. I was training for my 4th Dan at the time and following the accident I thought that Taekwon Do was over for me and my Club would close. I know now that for me that was when I really had to use what I had learnt from Taekwon Do – by using Indomitable Spirit and Perseverance. Also, with the support from my students and family the Club kept going while I was away.
Do you have any personal Taekwon Do goals for the future ? If so, what are they ?
Yes, I would like one day to get my 4th Dan.
How do you think Taekwon Do in New Zealand is developing in comparison to other countries ?
I think ITFNZ is one of the best organizations in the world. For a small country, and in a short time, we have caught up with, and in some respects passed, the rest of the world in Taekwon Do. This is a credit to our seniors and Instructors.
Which practising Taekwon Do Instructor(s) do you admire the most and why ?
There are four Instructors I admire, and all for different reasons –
Ø Master Davidson for his lifetime dedication to the art.
Ø Master McPhail for his knowledge of Taekwon Do and the way he practices the Tenets of Taekwon Do.
Ø Mr Rimmer for his friendship and support that he gives to all in Taekwon Do.
Ø Mr Patterson for all that he has achieved in Taekwon Do and for being so humble with it.
Do you have a favourite technique ?
I have two favourite techniques – Front Kick and Back Kick. To me they are the most powerful kicks and if done right, the most unstoppable.
What is the highest level any of your students have achieved ?
So far it is 2nd Dan – Mr Clint King.
Do you have any comments on what you think are the most likely attributes a student needs to progress through the ranks to 1st Dan and higher ?
I think students should concentrate more on the art than on the sports side of Taekwon Do. It is through learning the correct techniques, the principles and reason for the techniques, and the philosophy of the art, that makes a true Taekwon Do student. Students who have these attributes will usually make great Instructors in the future, as have the four I mentioned above.