SAM CAPOTOSTO - MASTER INSTRUCTOR 5TH DAN

• 28 Years Experience in Martial Arts
• 5th Dan Black Belt (WTF / Kukkiwon)
• Level 1 coach (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme)
• 2nd Class Referee.
• Senior First Aid

I commenced training in martial arts at the age of 4 in Europe (1977).
I continued my training when we came to Australia (1978). The training days were very traditional and military style.

Over the years my development and teaching of Tae Kwon DO has changed from being the traditional military style to more of a mixture of traditional and modern Tae Kwon Do. The traditional training methods are an excellent basic groundwork; covering strong kicks, self defence and body conditioning, whilst the modern sports side has been refinement of fast kicks in a competitive nature. I believe a balanced mix makes a class very interesting and not boring.

In the last 28 years in martial arts I have represented my club at many competitions (local, Sydney as well as in State and National Championships). With mostly Gold or silver places.

My most recent tournament was the 9th Australian Masters Games, (Canberra 2003) winning Gold in Free Sparing and Team Board Breaking, silver in Patterns and One Step Sparring and Bronze for Board Break and Self Defence.

I was in Korea in October 2003, (with other Australian high ranking black belts). We visited many universities such as; Yongin University (high level performance), Yonsei Chungcheong, Chang/woo University not to mention visiting and training at Kukkiwon. (Tae Kwon Do 's main headquarters). At these universities, Tae Kwon DO is taught as a 4 year Degree Course covering both theory and practical. Students must be a minimum 2nd Dan black belt and they will leave after 4 years with a degree in Tae Kwon DO and be a 4th Dan black belt.

I am very dedicated to a Martial Art that after 26years I still enjoy doing. (I strongly believe in change. If something else works better, adopt the change). I currently lead approximately 187 active students. My aim is to pass my knowledge on to those who are willing to learn.

PHILIPPA CAPOTOSTO - HEAD INSTRUCTOR 3RD DAN

• 3rd Dan Black Belt
• Level 3 Referee
• Level 1 coach (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme)
• Senior 1st Aid

I started Tae Kwon Do as a young 20 year old. My reason for starting Tae Kwon Do was for confidence and self defence.
I never imagined I'd actually reach black belt, enter numerous competitions and teach Tae Kwon Do.

In 2003 my dedication was put to the test. We had our first child Adam mid January. I was teaching up until 3 weeks before and I was back teaching 2 weeks after Adam was born. My trainings at this period in my life were modified, but I believe that my continued training helped me to be strong and helped me to get back into shape quicker than I imagined.

Over the years I've been doing Tae Kwon Do, I have competed in many tournaments including local, Sydney, State and National Championships. With mostly gold and silver places in free sparring and patterns, I feel my biggest victory was in 1998 when I won gold at the NSW State Championships.

I am still actively training in class as well as with our new Southern Cross Tae Kwon Do Academy Tournament Team (specializing in competition fighting). I endeavour to learn more on weaponry training at our special Black Belt Club Trainings and to pass on my knowledge and skills to my students.

My active role at Southern Cross Tae Kwon Do Academy includes Instructor, receptionist, secretary, social and official functions as well as web site updates.

STEVEN WILLS - INSTRUCTOR 2ND DAN

I was first addicted to Martial arts at the age of 8 after my parents took me to see a Bruce Lee movie whilst on holidays. After seeing those awesome kicks, I said to myself I want to be like him. After that I tried a few different karate clubs but they didn't have what I was looking for. At the age of 16-17 myself and a group of mates decided to try a fairly new type of martial art to Australia called TAE KWON DO from there I haven't looked back.

My 3 kids and my wife all do Tae Kwon Do and are doing exceptionally well and loving their training.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Reaching Black Belt at a mature age, it made me realise that if you set your mind on something and you want it bad enough you can achieve anything in life, follow your dreams.
  Also once you reach the black belt level the learning and understanding of this great sport is just starting, it's great fun.
• Becoming a level 4 referee,
• Becoming an instructor and helping children, teenagers and adults fulfil their dreams and goals in life. I have competed in many tournaments such as: 8TH AUSTRALIAN MASTERS GAMES 2001, ASPAC MASTERS GAMES 2002, TRANS TASMAN MASTERS 2003, PENRITH OPEN 2003, where I have exceeded my expectations and won many gold, silver and bronze medals. Just recently I entered in the 9TH AUSTRALIAN MASTERS GAMES in Canberra and won gold for free sparring and silver for individual board break.

On a more personal note, Id like to say Thank you to Master Sam Capotosto and his lovely wife Philippa who have helped me reach my dream and goal in life, for this I am truly grateful and will always honour and respect them both and Southern Cross Tae Kwon Do Academy.

ALEXANDER FRY - INSTRUCTOR- INSTRUCTOR 1ST DAN

My first involvement in Tae Kwon Do was through my son.  I was one of the devoted parents that ferried kids to sporting activities and patiently waited for them to finish.  This passive participation grew into a keen interest not only to join in the fun, but to pursue the ideals that Tae Kwon Do and Southern Cross strive for.  Over the past four years my involvement with Tae Kwon Do and Southern Cross TKD, has continued to grow. Club training, instructing and assisting others, participating in tournaments is now a primary focus for my son and I. Shortly my daughter will be joining the journey as well.

Southern Cross Tae Kwon Do has provided a friendly environment in which to:

            Learn the skills of Tae Kwon Do

            Challenge myself to achieve and improve.

            Improve my personal fitness (& lose weight at the same time)

            Participate in sport with my family as equals

            Improve my confidence, agility, balance and coordination.

            Be Part of a friendly open club with like minded people. 

SIMON EDGAR-JONES - INSTRUCTOR 1ST DAN

My interest in the Martial Arts grew as I watched my son jump around the yard imitating the Power Rangers when he was very young. Our first introduction to Tae Kwon Do was with Rhee TKD. We soon realised that it wasn't for us as there was strictly no contact allowed. Soon after my family had moved to the Hunter region  we began Southern Cross TKD. This appealed to us as contact was allowed and we could enter tournaments. I felt this was important as you need to test yourself  against real people.

For the last 7-8 months I have been the instructor at Hawks Nest. I really enjoy instructing because not only does it allow me to teach people the skills I have learnt, it has really made me think about what I still need to learn and that this learning won't end with a black belt.

Practising Southern Cross TKD has provided me with the opportunity to;

• challenge myself to reach a goal without giving up
• improve my fitness level and maintain a reasonable weight
• compete in tournaments
• make new friends and (most importantly)
• learn new skills in a positive and friendly environment

I thoroughly enjoy my association with SCTKD and hope to continue to play an active role in the club in the future