(Amanda and I at my 3rd Dan grading performing our pre-arranged sparring routine)

I started training in 1996 at the Dragon Spirit Papatoetoe Taekwon-Do Club under Mr Kane Raukura (5th Dan).  In 2003 I was promoted to 1st Dan at the age of 14 years with a “pass with distinction”.  In the same year, I competed in the Epson under 18 tournament throughout New Zealand and was awarded Best Overall Female Jnr Black-belt.  Also I competed at the International Aussie Open, winning Gold in heavyweight sparring and medalled in a number of team events.  In 2004 I trialed for the New Zealand Jnr Team (Italy) and represented New Zealand in 1st Dan patterns, middleweight sparring and female team events.  I won Bronze in 1st Dan patterns, Gold in team power and specialty.

In late 2005, myself and older sister and Instructor, Ms Thu Thach, opened our new club at Sylvia Park Primary School then later relocated to our own full time facility at the Mount Wellington Rugby Football Club.  In 2006, I was promoted to 2nd Dan with an “A pass” and trialed for the New Zealand Jnr Team (Honduras) and made the team, however pulled out due to injury.  In 2007, I trialed for the New Zealand Snr Team and represented New Zealand in 2nd Dan patterns, team patterns, sparring and power and won bronze in team patterns.  In 2008, I officially became an Instructor.  In 2009, I was promoted to 3rd Dan with an “A pass” and also promoted to Co-Head Instructor of the Tamaki Mount Wellington Taekwon-Do Academy.

After many years of training and competition, I have found a new passion which is developing the people of Mount Wellington and doing this through the art of Taekwon-Do. I believe that through our community development approach in our Academy we are achieving this.

I love instructing and seeing my students grow.  I look forward to the day when we have our own Black Belt Class! Go Tamaki Mount Wellington!

Highlights:

Best Overall Female Black Belt 2003

International Aussie Open Gold Sparring 2003

Best Overall Jnr Black Belt 2004

World Champs Italy Bronze 1st Dan patterns 2004