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by Joanne Davidson, II dan
Te Awamutu
Note: This profile is getting a bit old and needs a catch up. We all know it is "Master Davidson" since his succesfull grading last year and now has the rank of 7th Dan. He is still the most senior New Zealand ITFNZ member and has taken on the post of President of the organisation. Please read on.
At 6th dan black belt, Mr Evan Davidson is the most senior member of ITFNZ Taekwon-Do. Mr Davidson has been an active member of our organisation since it began. He was the founding instructor of the Miramar branch in Wellington – one of our oldest clubs – and together with Mr Ng and other pioneers of Taekwon-Do in New Zealand, he organised combined trainings and other events which became the foundation of ITFNZ Taekwon-Do. Mr Davidson is presently Instructor of our Te Awamutu club, which he opened in 1986. He is a Senior Examiner, and the Director of Standards and Discipline for ITFNZ Taekwon-Do.
What year and how old were you when you started Taekwon-Do?
I started in Singapore in 1972 at the age of 20.
What club did you start at and who was your instructor?
The H.M.S Terror club at the army base in Singapore and also at the Chong Pang club in the village. Both were run by Mr R. Jayaraman (3rd dan) who was my instructor.
Why did you choose Taekwon-Do as opposed to other martial arts?
I'd never heard of Taekwon-Do, but I had done judo as a teenager in New Zealand. One of my army colleagues was a red belt and invited me to come watch a training session. I was so impressed that I joined straight away.
When did you receive your first dan?
I graded to 1st dan on 9th September 1973, 18 months after starting (I'd had two double gradings).
What is the highlight of your Taekwon-Do career?
There have been too many highlights to name them all! One was meeting Mr YK Yun, then 6th dan in 1975, who was head of the Australian Taekwon-Do Academy and the first Korean I'd met. Another was meeting General Choi in 1976, when he flew into Auckland for one night and we drove up from Wellington to see him. Others include the Sharp International Tournament in 1985 and the World Camp at Massey University in 1992, where I met (then) Master Sereff and the US team, as well as Dutch and Australian black belts. I also enjoyed the recent South Island camp in Timaru, where I made the students do press-ups in a rocky, icy river at 6am!
What is your most embarrassing Taekwon-Do moment?
Being wheel-chaired into Lower Hutt hospital in dobok following a tile gash at a demonstration (caused by someone else's break) and carrying a blue plastic fish which was given to me by Mr Rimmer.
What are your personal goals for the future?
To see my students expanding the organisation by opening their own clubs and being as successful as I have been, if not more successful. My ultimate goal is to reach the rank of Master.
What are your goals for the future of ITFNZ?
I would like to see ITFNZ more prominent in the media, but I'm pleased to see that we are recognised by other (ITF) countries as having students with high standards, despite our limited resources, and a good democratic organisation. I would like to see more clubs and the organisation to remain strong and attractive to senior students and new members.
Which Taekwon-Do practitioner do you most admire and why?
Master Yun was a big influence in my earlier years. I admire Master Wheatley, because he is so down-to-earth and approachable. Most of all I admire General Choi, because he was so inspirational and extremely dedicated to his art.
What is your favourite technique?
Flying reverse turning kick, because it looks good when smashing watermelons! (I think we've all seen the photos…).
What is the most valuable thing you have learned over the years that you think every Taekwon-Do student should know?
To be humble and respect everyone, regardless of race, rank or position in society and to be open and adaptable to new experiences.