INSTRUCTORS

Our Instructors have many years of experience both teaching and/or competing in domestic and international competitions.  Please see below a brief blurb about our instructor and senior belt assistants.

Senior Head Instructor: Richard Lister

Richard has been the head senior instructor since Mike Hanna left for Russia. Richard started Taekwondo in 1989 and competed in kyorugi in his younger years. Richard holds a 3rd Dan Black Belt.

​​​​​​​Assistant Senior Instructor: Richard Coomber

Old Richard took up Taekwondo at the age of 30 and has trained around the world and been a member of clubs in Holland, China, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.  All 4 of his daughters have given it ago but ultimately decided Dad was too embarrassing.  Richard loves being fit, hates stretching, and doesn't mind a scrap. Richard has a 2nd Dan Black Belt.

Junior/Intermediate Head Instructor: Ang Thompson

Ang took over the instructing for all junior classes when Master Mike Hanna moved to Russia. Ang has been an active competitor in Kyorugi until she decided that Officiating would be her pathway. Ang is now an international referee and travels the globe officiating at international tournaments. Ang is also a board member of the Taekwondo Union in New Zealand. Ang has two children who are now learning Taekwondo and she holds a 4th dan Black Belt.

Junior/Intermediate Instructor: Tasha Waterson

Tash has come through the belts at NP Taekwondo and is now a key part of the instructor team. 

Master Mike Hanna

Mike started teaching Taekwondo in New Plymouth in 1981 and holds a 5th Dan Black Belt(2001 TUNZ). Mike has competed in both New Zealand and at International competitions receiving both Tiles and Gold Medals. Mike expanded from an athlete to both coach and/or Manager(Commonwealth Championships, Trans-Tasman in Australia, Junior World Championships). Mike was also involved in Olympic selections and the high performance team manager for international competitions.