In writing this small profile of me and where I came from, I could so easily talk about the things I have done, won and where I have been and seen! However, I prefer to talk about the things and people that mean a lot to me!

I was born in 1985, and started my first class in 1989, my brother was not long born then and my mother used to take him in his buggy to class, while both us trained with my father.

Unlike most kids I grew up in the martial arts at my fathers side, copying his moves from the early age of just 2 1/2 yrs old, until finally at 4 yrs old I took part in my first class! My journey has many cherished memories, of times together in class with my father, mother, brother and friends, as well as countless competitions and events! Its hard growing up in the shadow of someone so prominent in martial arts, and at that time one who was at the top of his game in the martial arts, and he still is today!

As I head towards my 25th birthday I realise that I have had a good life so far, one of commitment, love and dedication. I cannot imagine Taekwondo not being part of my life, just as I cannot imagine not having my father there teaching me! Both are inseparable!

From a very early age I loved Taekwondo, although I do remember going through a faze of "I cant be bothered going to class"! however, my parents never forced me and let me have some "me time", this time made me realise what I was missing out on! My father has taught me countless things along the way, he helped me when I was down and guided me when I strayed, and I am truly thankful that he did this for me. Both my parents gave me what every child requires, that is understanding and endless love, both I received in abundance!

Although I am still young I have much to give in enthusiasm and skills to my students and fellow martial artists. I love teaching and nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing my own students succeed, wither it is in a testing or a competition, or simply that they have managed to learn a new move!

My early memories of class in Larkhall, under my father holds many happy ones! I used to get into trouble just as much as any other kid, for not paying attention, or just fooling about! As you get a bit older and the discipline enters the way you conduct yourself in class, you realise that Taekwondo is more than just a sport, hobby or a way of spending time. It is a way of life, how you conduct yourself, how you are seen, everything becomes one, you become one with your art.

I used to be in awe of the adults jumping about doing spinning kicks, jumping kicks and also watching them sparring! I wanted to be like them, jumping high, sparring fast and furious! I used to watch them at competitions winning for the school and of course themselves! Classes were tough in those days, more disciplined and more old style, where you did not dare look your Instructor in the face! My father grew up in classes like this, were training was 2 hours of doing the same move or block, not flinching when your Instructor punched you in the lower back or abdomen.

My training was hard at my fathers side, he did not show any favouritism to me, in fact the opposite! I had to work harder than the other kids, do more to be seen in class! and this still is a a way of life for me!

In all the years in Taekwondo I have only ever received one award from my father and this was when I was 14 yrs old! I still remember that night clearly. It was just after the 2000 A.I.M.A.A World Championships, I had won 2 Gold and 2 Silver at the event! My father and our association awarded me "Student of the Year" which meant more to me than my World Titles, as I finally felt that I had received recognition from my own father, which meant more.

I have been fortunate to have the best teacher possible, and this is due to my father being fortunate to having the best teacher possible, when he was learning! As a young and learning Instructor I strive to ensure my students are taught all the core skills, the history and curriculum, passed down by Grandmaster Hee Il Cho.  I love training with my Instructor and fellow martial artists at squad training. I have always sparred with my father and we seem to be quite alike in the way we move, the use of techniques and our speed! My ambition is to beat him, his ambition is for me to beat him! He has often said, "that he will know that he has done a good job with my training, when I finally beat him! he will finally know that his job is now over"!  I have still yet to beat him, and he is 50 yrs old, maybe when he is 60 - 70, who knows, maybe never!!!

So what does the future hold for me? My future is quite clearly written in Taekwondo and A.I.M.A.A, this is my family, this is my life. My goals are to continue to teach, learn and learn more! To try to be the best Instructor possible, not only for my students, father and association, but for me. I have a young family now, and I look forward to the day when my son Jon and daughter Eva, join me in class, as I did my father. I look forward to teaching the next generation and watch them go onto teaching the next. 

During our years in A.I.M.A.A I have made many friends, not only in Scotland but in Ireland. Master Darcy is an inspiration to me and everyone around him, as well as a family friend.

This year I have many events to participate in and for the first time I will be entering the "Full Contact" fighting arena, something which I have wanted to do for a long time. Although a bit apprehensive, as its all new to me, I hope that my training and skills will help me through this new venture!!!!

Yours in Tae Kwon Do

Mr John Kirkwood Jnr