Dragon's Spirit Taekwon-Do

VETS CAMP 2026!

1pm on Sunday, registrations for the 14th annual ITKD Vets Camp open. This is a great weekend away and open to all ranks as long as you meet the strict "being old" requirement of 35yo+. Entries fill up quick, sometimes within a day so if you're interested, get registered. Make sure you also pay the very reasonable fee otherwise the place is not secured. We've had members miss out before after registering and not promptly paying.

Taekwon-Do Veterans Camp Vets camp is all about TKD - but it is also a chance to hang out with like minded fellow practitioners. Add in the opportunity to have fun, in a safe and social atmosphere, to renew existing friendships, and make fresh ones is another added bonus.

Inspiration from the Dragon’s Den – 5th June 2026

"It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first."
— Miyamoto Musashi

In Taekwon-Do, every beginning asks something of us. The first stance feels awkward. The first pattern feels confusing. The first grading feels intimidating. The first time we step forward, the mind questions whether we are ready.

But this is the nature of all worthwhile things.

Nothing begins perfect. Nothing begins easy. Skill does not appear fully formed. Confidence does not arrive before effort. Strength is not built by avoiding difficulty, but by meeting it again and again until what once felt impossible becomes part of who we are.

Musashi reminds us that difficulty at the beginning is not failure. It is simply the beginning.

Anyone can look at a black belt and see confidence, power, and control. But every black belt once struggled with basic movements. Every strong student once forgot steps. Every instructor once stood where the beginner stands now.

The difference is not that it was easy for them. The difference is that they continued.

Difficulty at first looks like:

- Not understanding a movement straight away.
- Feeling clumsy when learning something new.
- Repeating a technique many times before it improves.
- Feeling nervous before stepping onto the floor.
- Choosing to return, even when the last session was hard.

Taekwon-Do teaches us that the difficult first step is still a step forward. It teaches us patience with ourselves, respect for the process, and trust that effort repeated over time becomes progress.

What feels difficult today may become natural tomorrow.

Just begin.



Master Raukura

처음에는 어려워 보일 수 있다. 그러나 모든 것은 처음에는 어렵다.
It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.

***Reminder***
No training tomorrow due to the public holiday - relax and enjoy the break!

Inspiration from the Dragon’s Den – 18th May 2026

In Taekwon-Do, humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is understanding that your strength, knowledge, rank, and ability are never reasons to stand above others. Humility keeps us grounded. It reminds us that every black belt was once a beginner, every instructor is still a student, and every achievement carries a responsibility to lift others.

Anyone can celebrate success. Anyone can seek recognition. But the true Taekwondoin learns to remain gracious, teachable, and respectful no matter how far they have come.

Humility looks like:

- Accepting correction without ego.
- Training hard without needing praise.
- Respecting juniors and seniors alike.
- Letting actions speak louder than rank.
- Remembering that there is always more to learn.

Humility is the quiet strength that protects character from pride. It lives in the Taekwondoin who can achieve greatly without arrogance, lead confidently without self-importance, and stand tall while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

No boasting. No ego. No need to be above others.



Master Raukura
겸손은 인격의 뿌리이다
Humility is the root of character.

TIME IS TICKING! LET'S GO DRAGON'S!!

Our dragon has been guarding the honey long enough… and frankly, he is starting to take his role a little too seriously!

Support the Dragon’s Spirit Dojang by grabbing some delicious BeeBro Rewarewa Honey or Honeycomb before the fundraiser closes.

Perfect for toast, tea, gifting, or simply proving to yourself that buying honey can, in fact, help create champions.

Buy now before the dragon decides it is all his!!

500g Rewarewa Honey (https://www.beebro.co.nz/.../beebro-fundraising-rewarewa...) - $20.00

360g Honeycomb (https://www.beebro.co.nz/product-page/fundraising-honeycomb) - $20.00

On the payment screen, add a note 'dragons spirit' so your order gets recorded against the club.

Taekwon! Master Raukura 👊👊👊

Support Dragon's Spirit as we aim to refresh our club equipment!

500g Rewarewa Honey (https://www.beebro.co.nz/.../beebro-fundraising-rewarewa...) - $20.00

360g Honeycomb (https://www.beebro.co.nz/product-page/fundraising-honeycomb) - $20.00

On the payment screen, add a note 'dragons spirit' so your order gets recorded against the club.

Taekwon! Master Raukura 👊👊👊

Inspiration from the Dragon’s Den – 7th May 2026

"Courtesy is the strength to show respect before it is expected. When words are kind, actions are honourable, and attitude remains humble, true character shines." - Anonymous

In Taekwon-Do, courtesy is not simply good manners. It is a reflection of character. It is the way we show respect before it is demanded, kindness before it is earned, and humility even when we have the strength to stand tall.

Courtesy reminds us that how we speak, how we listen, how we enter the dojang, how we treat our training partners, and how we carry ourselves outside of training all matter.

Anyone can bow. Anyone can say the right words. But the true Taekwondoin learns to live courtesy through action.

Courtesy looks like:

- Greeting others with respect.
- Listening when someone else is speaking.
- Helping a junior student without needing recognition.
- Accepting correction with humility.
- Showing kindness, even when no one is watching.

Courtesy is the discipline that keeps strength connected to respect. It lives in the Taekwondoin who can train hard without arrogance, lead others without pride, and treat every person with dignity.

No arrogance. No disrespect. No ego.

Just character.



Master Raukura

예의는 인격의 빛이다
Courtesy is the light of character.