Art &

Jul 8 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Taking coals to Newcastle? North Taekwondo devotees are heading for the Far East to spread the word in South Korea – birthplace of the martial art they love. Stephanie Feng reports.

FROM initial impressions you would not automatically assume Susan Taylor was a martial art expert. Stylish clothes and an arty haircut would probably lead you to thinking she was some kind of artist (and you’d be right she’s been a designer for this newspaper for eight years).

But Susan is an expert and teacher in the martial art of Taekwondo and she has been invited as part of an elite troupe of 11 to teach near Seoul in South Korea, the country in which it was founded as part of an international martial arts festival.

The 10-day festival in October is being organised by Paris-based South Korean Taekwondo expert, Master Kim Yong Ho.

Master Kim founded the World Taekwon Mudo Academy which celebrates the spiritual as well as the physical aspect of the martial art.

He travels the world teaching and Darlington is one of two places in the UK he visits on his trips.

Master Kim invited Susan and her colleagues to South Korea after seeing them in action at their club.

Susan says: “We are very lucky to have met Master Kim Yong Ho as he only visits Britain twice a year.

“Master Kim is very knowledgeable but very calm and he knows things about you that you don’t know yourself!

“He said he was very impressed with the standard of our club which is a great accolade.

“When we get to South Korea it will be our job to pass on the new techniques he has taught us.”

Susan smiles, and adds: “It is a great honour to be asked to teach Taekwondo in the country where it is a national sport. It’s a bit like carrying coals to Newcastle.”

Susan has been interested in Taekwondo from an early age, she recalls: “The first I heard of it was when my sister and I used to go to dance classes when we were little and we used to go in when a Taekwondo class were coming out.

“I always wished I was going to do that instead.”

But it wasn’t until nine years ago she decided, with no other martial arts experience, to take up the sport.

She explains: “As a woman I felt it was important for me to be able to look after myself so I thought I’d give it a try. Taekwondo sorts your mind out and it gives you focus and determination.

“But it’s very defensive, you would only use it in the worst kind of scenario. It’s about keeping your head when you’re under pressure.”

The impact Taekwondo has had on Susan has carried on to everything, including day-to-day life.

She adds: “It makes you very strong minded it helps you to make decisions and to be confident.

“Actually It’s helped my confidence loads in every way, even standing and speaking to people.”

Susan’s partner, Jason Lennie, 33, a bus driver, is also pleased Susan took up the martial art.

He comments: “Especially, when Susan works late and needs to walk back home alone – she can take care of herself.”

The South Korean trip, which will include students aged from 12 to their mid-50s, will involve demonstrations in a number of universities and three days’ meditation.

Susan, a third Dan, has been a martial arts instructor at the Darlington club – Kim Chung Do Kwan – for 18 months.

She teaches nine students, who practise on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

“South Korea is somewhere I have always wanted to go. I know it will be a massive difference culturally, but to go there to do something I love doing really is a great honour.

“I must admit I am a bit nervous though.”

Although this is the first time the County Durham group have competed in South Korea they have previously travelled to demonstrations across Europe.

“We have competed in Paris, Geneva, a small town in Portugal and all over the UK,” Susan comments.

“But this will be the biggest martial arts event we have ever been to.”

The club’s chief instructor, Ron Brennan, 57, is President of the British Mudo Academy, and a sixth Dan. He has learnt Taekwondo since he was 30.

He runs his own building company, Marcus Design and Build, in Darlington

Ron says: “Susan is one of the best instructors we have.

“The sign of a good instructor is the quality of students they turn out.

“And she has good students, good technique, a very good mental attitude to the martial arts.”

Perhaps the reason Susan is such an accomplished teacher is because she embraces the whole philosophy of the art of Taekwondo.

Susan adds: “Taekwondo has more kicking and punching than other martial art. But martial arts are not only physical but also mental.

“They help you to deal with things in your daily life.

“It helps me to be focused and determined. It also gives me much more energy, keeps me fit and gives me more confidence.

“A few years ago I would never have dreamt of standing in front of a room of people teaching them how to defend themselves and how to meditate.

“Now it comes very easily to me.”