Peter started Hapkido in 1980 under Grand Master Lee’s instruction at the dojang in Tory Street, Wellington, and gained his 1st Dan in 1985 and his 2nd Dan in 2007.

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Peter restarted the Wellington Club in 1997.

Mark started Hapkido in 1983 under Grand Master Lee’s instruction at the dojang in Tory Street, Wellington, and gained his 1st Dan in 1988 and his 2nd Dan in 2007.

 

Mark instructs in the adults class.

Dave started his training in 2003 and attained his 1st Dan black belt in 2010 and his 2nd Dan in 2013.

 

He has traveled to Korea regularly and has experienced training with a number Korean Masters there. He was the first competitor to represent the New Zealand Hapkido Federation in an International Hapkido tournament in Busan in 2013 and has successfully competed twice in competitions there. 

 

Dave has visited and trained in a number styles of martial arts on overseas trips but always returns to Hapkido. He is motivated to learn all he can regarding self defense techniques so that he can incorporate these into his training. 

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Dave instructs in both the adults and childrens classes.

David restarted his training in March 2010 after training previously in the early 90's, and attained his first degree black belt in 2017.

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David instructs in both the adults and childrens classes.

Rob Finlayson, 2nd Dan Taekwondo and red belt in Hapkido.  Rob is a guest instructor at Wellington Hapkido Academy children's and adult sessions.

 

Rob began training early to mid 1970's in Olympic style wrestling & competition. In October 1979 Started WTF style TKD.  Rob fought in the 1st 4 NZ tournaments.  Rob cross trained in both HKD & WTF style TKD on & off over the years under GM Lee.  He graded to 1st degree black belt 1985, 2nd degree 1995 in Taekwondo.

 

Rob was part of the NZ demonstration team from the early 80's under GM Lee promoting  Taekwondo in Wellington & further afield helping to open clubs in New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Levin, Otaki & many of the Wellington suburbs as a result. Various styles periodically trained in over the years. ITF style TKD, Kenpo Bushido Ru Karate, Wu style Tai Chi & Tai Chi sword & some Wing Chun, weapons, some Bo, short stick, Knife, Shiriken, throwing knife, pens, coin, credit or business card & what ever comes to hand in time of need.  Self taught with help from others with experience in other styles the Nunchucka, Sai, Tonfa & Balisong.  Rob started the Tawa club again after the big split that resulted in 5 of the black belts & a lot of students in Tawa to remain with GM Lee.

 

Favorite quote: Running is the best form of self defense... as long as they are not faster of fitter, then a gun is better.