New Zealand Martial Arts
Hall of Fame

We are proud to announce that two of ITFNZ's senior members were inducted into the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame on Saturday 12th November 2005.

Mr Michael Lowe with wife Jenny		Mr Peter Graham with wife June
Supporters from Central Districts, Wellington and Auckland witnessed the induction of Mr Lowe and Mr Graham at the 3rd NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Ceremonies held on 12th November. Masters Davidson and McPhail were also issued certificates as returning inductees and Master Davidson gave a brief speech about the importance of all martial arts leaders contributing to society on a positive way, and so helping to build a more peaceful world. Mr Lowe and Mr Graham made their own speeches which were warmly accepted by all the martial arts leaders present. You can read their speeches here.
Mr Lowe started Taekwon-Do in 1974 at the age of 21, at Massey Club when he was a student at Massey University. He has been Instructing since 1978. He has been a key person of our organisation as an Executive Committee and Technical Committee member.		Mr Peter Graham began his training in 1978. He served as the President of ITFNZ for many years and made many long lasting contributions to Taekwon-Do and Martial Arts in New Zealand. Mr Graham was nominated for the Martial Arts Hall of Fame by the Late Mr Harry Hemena (former inductee).

Click here for more information about the Awards

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Mr Lowe and Mr Graham pictured bottom left at an Executive Committee meeting in the early eighties. Master Davidson, Master McPhail and Mr Hemana also present.

Mr Paul McPhail was to be the fourth member of ITFNZ to be inducted into the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame. The ceremonies were held at the Taupo Events Centre 1st June 2002.

Also acknowledged with the Insights to Martial Arts Magazine awards were ITFNZ members:

Norman Ng - First Generation Martial Arts Pioneer
Evan Davidson - Second Generation Martial Arts Pioneer
Sue Breen - Contribution to Martial Arts Administration in New Zealand
Michael Lowe - Leading Teacher
Andrew Salton - Top Fighter
Graham Patterson - Excellence in Breaking Techniques

Our ITFNZ President Mr Norman Ng was honoured in 1997 at the New Zealand Martial Arts Achievement Awards by being inducted into the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Mr Ng was also recognised by the "Century of New Zealand Martial Arts Awards".

Mr Davidson's Acceptance Speech
at the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Ceremonies 11/11/00

Your worship Mayor White, Convenor Mr Dave Millar, Distinguished Guests, Other Hall of Fame recipients, Fellow Martial Artists, Ladies and Gentlemen.

What a neat feeling it is right now and I am proud and truly honoured to have been considered for induction in the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

To be thought of, alongside the early pioneers of the Martial Arts in New Zealand, is indeed a great privilege to me.

The art of Taekwon-Do has been part of my life for the past 28yrs and it is something I can carry on with for the rest of my life.

I could not have done what I've done and been where I've been without the strong support from my wife Fiona and my two daughters. I Thank them for that. They have had to put up with me, firstly with my occupation in the NZ Police and secondly during my spare time, as I have juggled between family and Taekwon-Do.

I must acknowledge a number of people who, if it were not for them, I would not be here today.

1. Mr Ben Mose and the late Mr Tere Maorikava. (It was they who took me to my first Taekwon-Do Lesson when I was stationed with the NZ Army in Singapore back in early 1972.) These fellow soldiers returned to NZ and set up Taekwon-Do Clubs in Trentham, Papakura Military Camps.

2. Mr Norman Ng, one of, if not the Original Taekwon-Do Pioneer in NZ. It was through Norman I helped establish links to other developing clubs in NZ which included meeting and training with Mr Willie Lim in Hamilton in those early years.

3. Master Young Ku YUN. He was my 1st Korean International Instructor, who taught me so much and influenced our setting up of the Original Taekwon-Do in NZ.

4. Mr Paul McPhail my fellow 6th Dan. He is a big inspiration to me and has inspired me to aim for greater things.

5. Lastly & most importantly, to General Choi Hong Hi, President of ITF, who developed and named the Art of Taekwon-Do. He is still teaching throughout the World at aged 82 years.

I also would like to make mention of my working with Mr Bob Gemmell and his Tonfa Skills. Back in 1980 prior to the1981 Springbok Tour we trained together for a short period and developed the techniques for the NZ Police in the use of the PR24 Long Baton.

Thank you all again for this most prestigious award.

I would just like to end here by quoting a passage from the Philosophy of Taekwon-Do written by General Choi which I believe is a reflection of what all the true Martial Arts try to achieve.

"The utmost purpose of Taekwon-Do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger's oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world."

Thank you and goodnight.

	Current Awards 2008 Awards Award Briefs Nomination Forms Past Awards 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Special Awards ITFNZ Honours List Other Awards

Inductees to the New Zealand Hall of Fame - 2005

ITFNZ Members:
Mr Michael Lowe
Mr Peter Grham

Inductees to the New Zealand Hall of Fame - 2002

Chris Dessa
Ken Buckley
David Butler
Nick Christiansen
Margaret Hight
Mike Kenworthy
Garry Luton
Denis May
Paul McPhail
Norm Palmer
Kevin Pepperell
Martin Sterling
Gary Trail
Wayne Watson

Inductees of the 2nd New Zealand Hall of Fame 2000

Evan Davidson
Clare Hargrave
Harry Hemana
Doug Holloway
Christine Gemmell
John Jarvis
Glen Keith
Rick Littlewood
Charles Mareikura
David Millar
Bob McCallum
Al Powers
Mike Ryan
Pat Toner
Pat Zalewski

Inductees of the 1st New Zealand Hall of Fame 1997

Andy Barber
Robin Begbie
Robert Gemmell
Laurie Hargrave
Steve Heremaia
Terry Hill
Steve Kitson
Norman Ng
John Tahu Parae
Soloman Purcell
Tewamoana Te Rupe
Kati Unuia