The following interview shines the instructor spotlight on Russell Wood, the head instructor Koryo Taekwondo club in Victoria who continually brings a high standard of Taekwondo to competitions around the world. With over 40 years experience Russell Wood is one instructor who we can all learn from and he is more than willing to share his experience.



Now, on with the interview

Please give us a brief introduction of yourself and your style
My name is Russell Wood I’m the Head Instructor for Koryo Taekwondo Centre and the founder of the club which was established in 1976.

What is your current level/degree/rank? What is your highest achievement e.g. tournament/title?
I hold a 7th Dan Kukkiwon certificate and a 6th Dan Chung Do Kwan certificate.

I have won a number of State, National and International Titles for Sparring, Poomsae, Self Defense and Breaking. There are two achievements I can not separate and they are when my Koryo team and myself won Team Creative Poomsae team event in Belgium and the Gold medal I won with my second in charge 4th Dan Instructor Joyce Stivala in the Pairs Standard Poomsae event in New Zealand.

Why did you start martial arts? Who/what has inspired/motivated you in the beginning and throughout your journey?
I started out with Boxing, Judo and Karate in the late 1960’s, however, I came across a small club in Melbourne which was located in Little Lonsdale street in the city and found that the style (Taekwondo) suited me the best. I think competing and teaching are the main reasons that have kept me motivated.

Who have you trained under and/or are currently training under?
I have been a Head Instructor since 1976. I started training with Mr. Jack Rozinszky and due to relocating to the Northern Suburb’s I transferred over to Mr. Jung Myung Oh.

Are you still training regularly? If so how often do you train and what does a typical training session involve for you?
I train 6 days a week which include 2 days at the gym doing weight work to keep myself reasonably strong because at the age of 67 I have to keep working on maintaining my strength.

How do you stay fit? Do you have any daily training routines/stretches or exercise? If so what are they?
Due to the fact that I teach 6 days a week and also go to the gym it keeps me reasonably fit.

As I still compete in Poomsae and other technical events I attend most seminars promoted by Taekwondo Australia as well as run my own seminars. I still spar with my students, however, I retired from competition sparring at the age of 64.

Within your martial art do you use any kind of weapon/s? What are they? What values or emphasis do you put on/take away from learning/teaching them?
Some years back I taught Nunchaku’s, however, as there were no Taekwondo competitions using weapons I dropped the Nunchaku’s from my syllabus.

What is your all time favorite technique? Which technique do you find most effective?
My favorite technique is stepping forward with turning side kick, however, the most effective technique is the old fashion punch to the face.

Have you had any major injuries from martial arts and how has it affected you? How did you set about training after you recovered?
Like any other person who has spent some 37 years practising martial arts I have had many injuries such as broken ribs, fingers, toes as well as my nose a few times. I have found over the years that it is hard to beat ice, strapping and keeping mobile. I have been suffering from torn ligaments in my right shoulder for around two years now which has turned out to be my most restricted injury.

Why do you think martial arts is important for personal development? What benefits does it offer? What have you gained?
I do not think that martial arts has any one main reason for personal development as it offers so many benefits, such as a healthy body, self confidence, quality of life the ability to defend ones self plus many other things.

How do you stay motivated or interested in your martial art?
My main motivation comes from teaching my students which is very rewarding and to a lesser degree still being able to compete.

Share a story/tale/antic/view with us...
Back in the early 90's I spent some two years living in Singapore and I can always remember my first nights training at the Singapore Gym. I was the only westerner there on my first night and I guess they wanted to see how I would handle myself, so they had me fight a number of their students which I thought was great and when I went back the next night one of the Instructors said to me "are you come back for more?". After my second night I gain many new friends who were most helpful to me.

What goals do you have for the future?
To continue teaching and competing until my body gives up on me.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your style(s)?
To visit many clubs as it is not the style that is important but the Instructor.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes I would like to see all Taekwondo organizations in Australia come together and form one organization so that one day Australia would become a force to be reckoned with.

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