| Instructor Darren Bates 2nd Dan Instructor Darren Bates has been an instructor with Shi-gan Taekwondo since early 2001 and currently hosts one of the most successful clubs in the organisation. Darren is highly regarded as a martial artist and instructor by both his students and his peers. A very talented and extremely humble and modest individual with skills and knowledge that are hard earned and well deserved. Although having a strong interest in martial arts and self defence Darren did not start his formal training until he was 29 years old in 1994. Following on from a highly successful field hockey career with representative honours for Newcastle at state level and had the honour of representing New South Wales at national level. Highlights of Darren's career included three consecutive first grade premierships and concluded his career as first grade captain/coach.During Darren's mid teens he was introduced to the craft of boxing under the watchful eye of the highly skilled John “Frog” Lundy. Lessons learnt at the PCYC are still with Darren today, and are used to complement his martial arts classes. Like many mature aged students Darren began martial arts with one of his children and hoped it would be a journey we could travel together, initially he was interested in the fitness but it didn’t take long to get the bug.
A family friend recommended training with Senior Instructor Trevor March who provided an excellent training and learning environment. During these years a great deal of knowledge was gained in the traditions, skills and philosophy of martial arts – for all that was learned during those years Darren says he is extremely grateful. Being a senior instructor at the Wallsend Centre for eight years, Darren's son Martin is now one of our talented black belt instructors . Along with instructors Anna and Krystyna we believe the Wallsend centre provides students with an excellent balance of youth and experience.
Shi-Gan Taekwondo training provides students with a high quality well rounded and balanced martial art, this sets us apart from others.
The philosophy at the Wallsend centre is to “provide a safe and encouraging environment for all students of all ages”. Rewards are helping students on their journey to achieve what they initially believed unattainable.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
Highly recommended! |
