There has always been a strong bond between Australia and New Zealand; a competitive relationship, known as the ANZAC spirit, that transcends the waters separating these two nations and brings out the very best in character. Whether in Cricket, Rugby or Soccer, the bond is enduring. It is a friendly rivalry that pushes both Aussies and Kiwis to be better and to benefit from the bond that goes back over a one hundred years. And now in Taekwon-Do, that relationship is further enhanced.

Recently, Master Alan Stewart of the Australian International Taekwon-Do Federation (AITF) visited New Zealand upon his return from Canada, where he was promoted to 7th Degree under Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Master Stewart was invited by Mr Benjamin Evans to visit Hawkes Bay to view firsthand the Special Needs Taekwon-Do program and what it has achieved. Students from Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit were treated to the wealth of Taekwon-Do knowledge that came with Master Stewart’s visit. Having spent an entire day in the life of Mr. Evans, the Master experienced the full time job of a special needs Taekwon-Do instructor, traveling to and from each class, meeting and training with many students of various ages and special needs.

It was an extremely productive and educational visit for Master Stewart with regards to the special needs Taekwon-Do development. Meeting Mrs Bethany Hocquard, the teacher responsible for Mr Evans setting up the program at Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit, Master Stewart was informed of the great number of positive outcomes that Taekwon-Do has achieved for the students and various visitors. The leaps and bounds achieved through Taekwon-Do have been nothing less than inspirational.

Students were certainly impressed with the level of training Master Stewart provided throughout his stay. Hawkes Bay ITF is proud to have the help and support of Master Stewart, both in support of the Special Needs Program and the mainstream students in the Hawkes Bay region. Together this bond between our two countries can only help to build a stronger ITF community in the oceanic region with Master Stewart and Mr Evans committed to bringing Australia and New Zealand even closer together in the future.

 

Mr Ben Evans IV

Hawkes Bay International Taekwon-Do Federation (MO #560)

Email:              [email protected]

Phone:            +64 278 573 045.