1. What year did you start Taekwon-Do and how old were you?
I think it must have been about 1978 and I was 36.

2. Why did you decide to do Taekwon-Do?
I didn't! My daughter and her little friend wanted to try it so I took them along and sat at the back of the dojang and read the paper. After about the third night the assistant instructor, a Mr Francis Kaurati, physically pulled me onto the floor to help my daughter. Mr Kaurati has a lot to answer for! After 3 years, my daughter gave up and 24 years later, I'm still here.

3. What club did you begin at and who was your instructor?
The club was the Miramar branch in Wellington and the Instructor was Mr Evan Davidson, then a 1st dan - now 6th dan.

4. When did you receive your black belt?
In 1985 under Master YK Yun at the Pakuranga branch - Head Instructor, Mr Rocky Rounthwaite.

5. When and where did you start instructing?
I think it must have been about 1987 when I started the Meadowbank branch.

6. What do you enjoy the most about instructing?
I really get a kick out of training kids and watching them improve their skills as they progress through the ranks. Hopefully up to black belt and beyond. I also enjoy the fiendships I've made over the years with some of the greatest people you could wish to meet.

7. What are some of the biggest achievements you have made in Taekwon-Do?
Undoubtedly steering our organisation through the stormy period after our then Master YK Yun broke away from ITF to start his own style and we had to go, cap in hand, back to the ITF to apply for recognition in our own right. With the help and support of some very strong and able negotiators we were able to achieve this but it was touch and go for a while there.

8. What is the highlight of your Taekwon-Do career?
The Sharpe Tournament in Wellington when we hosted a World Tournament attended by some of the top practitioners from many countries. This was when we forged our affiliation with Master Chuck Serreff and the USTF who have remained staunch supporters through some pretty hairy times politically.

9. What are your personal goals for the future?
To continue training as long as my body allows (I'm 60 this year!) and, where possible, help maintain this strong family that is ITFNZ.

10. What are your goals for ITFNZ in the future?
To ensure that ITFNZ is not hijacked politically by unscrupulous interlopers for their own financial and political ends. Especially in light of recent developments, ie the death of the Founder - General Choi Hong Hi.

11. Which Taekwon-Do practitioners have influenced you the most?
The General, of course. An amazing man in all repects. Master Chuck Serreff, Master Tom McCallum - a great administrator and a fair negotiator. Mr Evan Davidson, Mr Paul McPhail, Rocky Rounthwaite, the list is endless!!

12. How do you think Taekwon-Do has changed in New Zealand?
We have matured. We have grown from a geographically isolated mushroom, where we were kept in the dark and fed a lot of manure, to an organisation who is respected and admired all over the TKD world. Thanks to those intrepid members who have traveled overseas to competitions and seminars in various countries and then returned to share their knowledge and experiences we can hold our heads high in the world scene.

13. What do you think makes a good Taekwon-Do practitioner?
Someone who is prepared to accept the art for what it is. A way of life that promotes fairness, honesty and a recognition of other peoples feelings and aspirations. Not someone who is in it purely for the physical fighting side of the art - and that alone. And certainly not someone who is in it for financial gain and the soul destroying power trip.

14. What is your favourite hand technique? Foot technique?
It used to be the 360° back kick (jumping) but the body now has other ideas!! Now I place more emphasis on the self defence/releasing techniques.