As we enter the season of spring in 2026, I am pleased to announce a new introductory series of classes for beginners in the Winthrop-Murdoch-Kardinya area, with key information as below. (If you have already seen that information, take a look at my other posts to learn more. I can suggest reading about foundational aspects, facing reality, physical factors, and avoidant thinking as a good start.)
There are many martial arts in the world, each with their own foci. Tae Kwon Do (태권도) is a transliteration referring to a few related martial art or martial sport styles from Korea—all of them focused on physical evasion and striking (e.g., kicking) for combat. I teach a traditional tae kwon do style that features:
- Moral foundation—there is a major difference between taking action to defend the nation (soldiers) or community (police) and doing so for criminal gain. Morality is central.
- Non-contact—there is respect and self-control in training. The aim is for students to learn martial art and self-defence skills safely, not to compete with others.
- Practicality—size, strength, numbers, and other factors matter. I have always taught my students that an attacker will be bigger and stronger than they are. In stressful situations, simple actions will be more reliable than complex ones.
- Eastern Asian cultural values—perhaps different in degree or emphasis than many in Australia may be used to. This is a case of ‘different’ rather ‘better’ or ‘worse,’ and whether you seek to learn a martial art in this context.
- School setting—first and foremost, classes are for learning rather than just for recreation or socialising.
- Thinking—as a scientist by training, I have always taught my students to think critically about what they are learning, both in broad terms and for self-defence.
- Strong discipline, strong encouragement—my own motto as an instructor. We must train seriously because we are preparing for potentially life-or-death situations, and we should do it in a positive and constructive way.
- Privacy and confidentiality—no spectators, no recording, and no electronic devices. Sensitive issues, such as difficult family situations, are treated with empathy and respect.
- Mature outlook—I cover serious topics in my classes, such as life, death, and various assault scenarios. These will generally not be suitable for young children.
My beginners’ classes are open to:
- Adults (18 years+); and
- Adults alongside their adolescent children (12–17 years)
who are not members or associates of any other martial art group. The course involves:
- Three classes—students attend three 1.5 hour sessions in the Winthrop-Murdoch-Kardinya area, held over three consecutive Saturday afternoons.
- Small groups—I teach beginners in groups of two to four; you will be neither alone nor in a large group. I aim to adjust groups to make learning as comfortable as possible, so commencement dates may vary.
All prospective students go through an interview process with me before they may enrol. It is important that my classes will be right for them, and that they will be right for my classes.
To enquire, please send an e-mail to me (tkd@ywo.net.au) with your first and last names, and any initial questions you have. Just address me as “Mr. Ong” for courtesy and simplicity.
I will reply by e-mail to address your questions and organise an introductory chat (most likely on a Saturday late morning or early afternoon), so that we can talk in person. Thank you.