First Poomsae Event for 2026
Preparation for 2026 teaching and competition is underway with the TNZ’s first Poomsae training event for the year held in Wellington over the weekend of the 31st January and 1st February.
This was an incredible event with a record number of poomsae attendees from all over NZ, 65 participants, from 16 clubs and two days of incredible instruction from Grandmaster Bradley Tatnell, Sunbae Martial Arts. Master Bradley delivered an impressive 5 hrs+ of detailed instruction each day and still had reserves of energy to participate and lead Victoria University’s TKD club training that was held on the Saturday.
There was no time for long leisurely lunch breaks, with guest presenters giving insightful and inspiring presentations during each day as a ‘working lunch’. Lexi Evett presented the fundamentals and technical aspects of Freestyle Poomsae on Saturday, and on Sunday, Jacky Loong, Sports Psychologist, spoke to athletes about their mental game and the importance of training your mind.
The number of attendees at the camp was a milestone for poomsae in NZ. In 2022, when TNZ’s first High Performance Camp was held, there were 18 attendees participating in poomsae. Four years later, having this number grow to 65 attendees, and needing to limit the spaces available, is a testament to the accumulated drive and determination to progress Taekwondo in NZ, shown by many in the NZ community.
Taekwondo New Zealand is incredibly grateful to Master Bradley for sharing his depth of knowledge in poomsae with our NZ community. Acknowledging and appreciating the generosity and enthusiasm that Master Bradley brought to the Poomsae Camp over the entire two days.
“Firstly, allow me to express my great appreciation to Master Sophia for inviting me to present WT/Kukkiwon poomsae to you all, truly honoured. My admiration for NZ TKD grew with every moment, the students and masters showing the highest level of dedication (and love). From my experience, there is no success without being involved and focused — and everyone at the weekend camp was extremely determined. NZ has a depth of talent which (I feel) presently lays untapped, ready to spring forth. The learning curve for all participants was steep, not an easy feat, so well done. Not only did they do their best, they proved on day two they were there to progress. I was gratified to see the true spirit of Taekwondo before me I look forward to seeing what NZ can achieve in the future.” Grandmaster Bradley Tatnell
Thank you, Grandmaster Bradley, for all your words of wisdom and teachings. Thank you to Master's Shirly Sieh and Steph Bennett, who came over to NZ to assist. Special acknowledgment and thanks to Master Sophia Haynes for making this event happen, and Poh Leng McLisky and Nick Jury for all your assistance, as well as Victoria University TKD for being amazing hosts. Thank you to Lexi Evett and Jacky Loong for the fantastic presentations during the working lunch breaks.
Report from Jiya from Dynamic TKD: Junior reporter over the weekend.
I attended the first TNZ poomsae training weekend of the year, a two-day improvement camp. We were hosted by Victoria University Taekwondo with guest presenter GM Bradley Tatnell. Spanning the two days, we trained individuals’ moves, whole poomsae and new stretches. We also had a guest speaker, Jacky Loong, who taught us the importance of a strong mental game and gave us knowledge and strategies to improve ours.
The training was great, and it was equally inspiring seeing other poomsae athletes from all over the country. It's awesome to see the talent and determination we have here in NZ. As well as training, I had the chance to talk and meet new people, and also reconnected with those I knew.
I cannot forget to thank GM Bradley for crossing the ditch and coming to our corner of the world to share his knowledge and overseas experience. This seminar was lots of fun and I learnt so much. If anyone has ever considered attending one (or more) of these seminars, I would definitely recommend it
