Philip Dunn, III Dan 

ITFNZ Qualified Instructor
Current First Aid Certificate

Started Taekwon-Do

October 1990 (originally began lessons in 1974 with Charles Wee)

TKD History

After taking my son Stephen to a club that started in Royal Oak mid-1990, I began in October that year. I had previously done some ITF TKD training in 1974 with a club that based then at the Auckland University Gymnasium with Charles Wee. I didn't continue though, (younger and with too many other distractions) and my life carried on and I picked it up again in 1990. I did my first grading in December 1990 and my Black Belt exam for 1 Dan in Dec 1993. Stephen got to 4th gup and I carried on.

Being self-employed at the time and having much to do with Mr (now Master) McPhail, he persuaded me (he is very good at that) to open a club. I chose Mangere Bridge, being close to home, and did just that in 1995. With my wife, some experienced coloured belts, and many brand new ones the club grew and we were quite successful during that period, and it was always entertaining.

We sold up in Papatoetoe and moved to Waiuku - Franklin District in 1999 - which unfortunately meant closing Mangere Bridge and took over operation of Waiuku club from Mr Brownie Kingi.

TKD Achievements

Some are personal ones, some are more public.

Attending the 1994 ITF World Champs in Malaysia. Watching Kiwis perform at the top level competing for the first time at a Worlds. Watching my wife and daughter get their I Dan gradings in great style. Achieving my II Dan in 2005. Having one of my first students not only make the Junior World Champs team but bring home medals as well. Coaching the Counties-Manukau team to Overall victory at the Nats 2005 in Levin for the Best Overall Region which gave Counties-Manukau region the cup, three times running - never done before.

Instructing

 I got my instructors certificate in 1995 and have been teaching ever since (continuously 14 years)

Most Memorable Moment/s

There have been many but some of the most prominent.

My wife saying she wanted to train (you could have knocked me over with a feather!) Seeing a Kiwi get the very first medal in our TKD history in Malaysia in 1994 - Great! Watching the opening ceremony in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 1994 of World Champs at a Stadium with skydivers no less - carrying the TKD flag! (incredible). Holding up the National Trophy at 2005 Champs (victory!) Being able to grade to II dan while my first white belt to black belt student graded alongside me to I Dan (very satisfying).

Most Embarrassing Moment

A clanger! General Choi and Master (then) Sereff on one of their visits going to our (then) club venue for a Masters Class, we only found out late in the afternoon (actually when we arrived to open the hall) that the hall had been double-booked by the owners and there was NO WAY we could hold the seminar for around 100+ people there!
We VERY hurriedly managed to get a venue just up around the corner at a nearby school, but I had to be there to help inform a less-than-enthusiastic pair of the top people that they had to drive a little further up the road-round-the-corner-follow-us (sirs). Man, talk about red-faced!

Favourite thing about TKD

A few. The people I have met and call my friends and mentors. Learning how to break stuff (properly and not get injured). Fellow instructors, they are not as grumpy as you would think! Meeting and training kids, watching them become Black Belts and then great competitors and role models.

Least favourite thing about TKD

Stretching. It has ALWAYS been tough. But I stick at it.

Message to aspiring Taekwon-doers

Keep, Keep, Keep at it. Do not give up EVER, under any circumstances.

You will make it. It has been said a million times but it is true. "IT IS EASIER TO GIVE UP, THAN KEEP GOING." So true. I am living proof of it. Remember that once you have reached your goal - Black Belt, then the learning really starts.