Renowned Tauranga Taekwondo Master, Christine Young, is poised to receive a prestigious accolade as she is set to be inducted into the New Zealand martial arts hall of fame. The esteemed induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Friday, June 28th.
With an illustrious 39-year career in Taekwondo, Christine Young holds the esteemed rank of 7th dan international Master of Taekwondo. She has achieved a historic milestone as the first female in New Zealand to attain this rank, a promotion she received in March 2020. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has represented England at three World Championship events, provided coaching to the New Zealand team, served as the NZ high performance director, and has been invited to serve as an international referee.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Christine Young remains devoted to teaching and imparts her knowledge and expertise by conducting seven classes per week in Tauranga and Papamoa, catering to students ranging from five years old to over 50 years old.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Christine shared, “I’m very humbled by this recognition and when I see my peers here, I note we all have a lifelong passion for sharing our art with others. Through nurturing our students to grow and succeed we ourselves keep developing.”
Christine Young derives immense joy from teaching and is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Taekwondo for others to appreciate. She firmly believes that martial arts offer various avenues for personal growth and remain an integral part of local communities.
Emphasizing the strength of martial arts in New Zealand, Christine expressed her delight in witnessing the success of young talent on the international mixed martial arts stage. She also stressed the importance of reflecting respect and discipline in sports heroes, as they become role models for the current generation.
When it comes to self-defence, Christine Young imparts an important lesson in her students, often reminding them, “I teach you how to fight so you don’t need to fight.”
The induction of Christine Young into the New Zealand martial arts hall of fame serves as a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the profound impact she has made on the world of Taekwondo. Her unwavering commitment to teaching and her significant contributions to the martial arts community make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.