WTKD Special Notice

Dear Warrior TKD Members & Friends,

In 1997 I began the most incredible journey in the martial art of Taekwon-Do. Hundreds of thousands of hours of training, blood, sweat and tears; I achieved my black belt, became world champion a couple of times and travelled all over the world meeting inspirational people. By far my greatest achievement and legacy in TKD however, was forming and running my own club, Warrior Taekwon-Do. We grew from 2 members at the start of 2009, to well over 300 members and 4 locations (Ellerslie, Mt Wellington, Three Kings and Diocesan) in 2014.   

Running Warrior has definitely been one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding things I have ever done.

We have won honours including best club in Auckland and NZ and run lots of crazy events on a large scale. Many people will remember the Easter Extravaganza, Kids Fun Tournament, Ring Time Round Robin Tournaments, the Best of the Best Patterns tournament, our Mexican Themed Birthday Party, various Christmas parties, Social Discos and Movie Night fundraisers, National Championships, gradings, world champions, school holiday programmes and more.  Most of all, we formed a community that was passionate about TKD and making this world a better place. 

One of my favourite parts has been getting to meet people and their families, understanding their goals and helping them on their own journey through TKD. There have been countless special moments where students have increased in confidence and achieved more than they ever thought they could, where parents have trained alongside their kids and strengthened their bond as a family, where people have had fun and made friends and found a community where they belong. I'll never forget the young boy who told me after his class that Taekwon-Do was his favourite place to be in the whole world! That is what it was all about.

It is with mixed emotions that I step down from my position as the owner and Director of Warrior. I am sad that this chapter is ending and I will treasure the awesome memories forever. To all the students and parents who were a part of this club over the past 5 years, thank you for everything you have taught me and for sharing in our vision.

To all the instructors past and present who have taught at Warrior, your knowledge and passion have been such a gift to your students and every effort you have made to care about them has been appreciated. To Rachel, my right hand woman, you have been there from the beginning, through thick and thin and I could never thank you enough. You exemplify the tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit and are a true Warrior.

It is with tremendous joy that I announce the new owner and head instructor of Warrior is Master Paul McPhail, 8th Degree Black Belt.

Master McPhail has been an inspiration, mentor and friend. I could not think of a better person to take over. His extensive experience, expertise and passion for Taekwon-Do will take Warrior into the brightest future possible. Master McPhail is looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.

Best wishes to you all,

  

Carolina Dillen
ITF World Champion
Founder of Warrior Taekwon-Do