New Zealand Martial Arts
Hall of Fame
Mr Lowe's Acceptance Speech
at the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Ceremonies 12/11/05
Mr Millar, Hall of Fame executive and members, ladies and gentlemen,
I consider it an honour to have been thought of as being worthy of inclusion
into the ranks of such an esteemed body of people as the New Zealand Martial
Arts Hall of Fame.
When I first walked into a training hall in 1974 and saw all these people
performing martial art movements in funny white uniforms, I had no idea
that I would be formally recognised for doing what they were doing, 31
years later.
I acknowledge and respect the contributions of all Hall of Fame members
to the development of martial arts in New Zealand. With respect to Taekwon-Do
in particular, I acknowledge the contributions of Norman Ng, the late
Harry Hemana, Masters Evan Davidson and Paul McPhail, and Peter Graham,
who is also being inducted tonight. I thank my first instructor, Mr Wong
Chin, and the very first master I was associated with, Master Yun Young-Ku,
for the inspiration they provided me in my early years.
Like so many other martial artists, I am glad that I allowed the art
that I practice to come into my life. As I move through the cycle of life,
Taekwon-Do remains as one of the few constants as everything else about
me changes. It has been and continues to be a positive influence on my
life. For this I am grateful to the late General Choi Hong-Hi, the Founder
of Taekwon-Do, for his foresight and wisdom when he released Taekwon-Do
to the world in 1955.
Looking at how the International Taekwon-Do Foundation has grown and
developed since its small beginnings in 1981, I am encouraged and delighted
in the knowledge that what we offer to society today is still relevant
and in demand as it was a generation ago, probably even more so.
I appreciate being given an opportunity to make a difference to some
peoples’ lives, and acknowledge that I could not have done it without
the support of many people including my wife, Jenny, club members past
and present, and a fantastic national organisation.
In order to show that Taekwon-Do in New Zealand has come of age, and
to ensure that we can continue to offer Taekwon-Do as a way of life into
the future, it is important to recognise the efforts of long serving personnel.
For those reasons I am pleased to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Mr Graham's Acceptance Speech
at the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Ceremonies 12/11/05
Your Worship, Mayor McElvie, President, Mr Dave Millar, Distinguished
Guests, other Hall of Fame recipients, fellow Martial Artists, Ladies
and Gentlemen.
In my 60 odd years (and some of them have been very odd) I’ve been
fortunate enough to receive a few awards for various exploits, but I’ve
never felt so humble as I do tonight, recieving this investiture
To be accepted into a group of elite exponents, most of who would never
have heard of me, but many of whom I have admired over the years –
it sort of ‘blows me away’.
I’ve never considered myself a great martial artist in the physical
sense, but I have enjoyed being part of a fraternity that endeavours to
follow simular moral principles no matter what the banner or ethnic origins
of their particular arts.
I’m pretty sure I’m right in assuming that by the time we
have reached this level where we are accepted by our peers, we have outgrown
the My Art’s better than your art” syndrome and have matured
as martial artists and embraced the moral culture that the majority of
our arts profess to instil in their students.
In today’s world of potential violence where ethnic and religious
groups have no hesitation in performing senseless acts of violence which
kill and maim innocent bystanders in the name of their seemingly sick
and perverted Gods or twisted political beliefs, it is heartening to know
that there are still individuals, trained in the ability to perform more
than a little serious mayhem of their own –have adopted a course
of discipline that exemplifies all that true Martial Arts stand for.
In closing, I would like to thank my original Instructor, Master Evan
Davidson (he was a lowly 1st dan then – over 25 years ago) Master
Paul McPhail, who even in his young years was able to provide me with
sound counselling when I needed it, Master Young Ku Yun, my original Master,
and of course, the Founder of my particular art, the Late General Choi
Hong Hi.
My thanks also to my wife June and my two daughters Bindi and Jedda who
have had to share my time with TKD over these years, the numerous surgeons
who have rebuilt various parts of my body as I’ve set about trying
to destroy it, and my old mate, the late Harry Hemana who, I have found
out since his passing, was responsible for nominating me for this prestigious
acknowledgement.
Once again, thank you all for the wonderful opportunity to be here tonight.
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. |
