Ian McLisky

Ian McLisky

Ian is the club treasurer of Victoria University Taekwondo and is known for his strong work ethic. His dedication to TKD is second to none.

Profile:
3rd Dan Kukkiwon
Poomsae Judge (TUNZ and TNZ class 1)
Treasurer of Victoria University Taekwondo (VUWTKD)
Instructor VUWTKD
Board member of Taekwondo Union New Zealand (Governing body of various TaeKwonDo Clubs throughout New Zealand)

Why did I start Taekwondo?
Had a mid-life crisis at age 52 about what I wanted to do after 25 years with Inland Revenue based in Whangarei. So we moved from Whangarei to Palmerston North. My wife Poh Leng and our son Campbell and I visited Massey University WTF club and from that moment I was hooked.

During the next two years, I progressed through the grades and in October 2012 moved to Wellington and joined Victoria University Taekwondo (VUWTKD)

Favourite part of TKD
So many high points – the chance to learn and display skills without judgement, competing, passing on knowledge in the art of TKD and been challenged and inspired to try harder.
Finally, the chance to meet and work with TKD Clubs and develop friendships outside of our normal circle of life is one of the best rewards of TKD.

What surprised me most about TKD?
How fast TKD has improved both my physical and mental endurance, how it has taught me to sustain it, regardless of your age; and being a member of this fantastic club. I now look back on the 10 years of doing TKD, and its eloquence as an art has made me a far better person for learning TKD and the tenants that it expounds.

What is it like training at VUWTKD?
It’s a real buzz to be inspired by our fellow instructors and other club members no matter the colour of their belt, as every member no matter their age or grade can pass on their skills and knowledge and it is that ability to absorb that makes this club and its members a treasure to enjoy each training day and the rest of my journey in TKD.

TNZ congratulates Ian on his selection to the New Zealand Team.

Poh Leng McLisky

Poh Leng was recently awarded her Bronze medal that she won at the Muju Taekwondowon Online World Taekwondo Championship. A very mcc deserved placing for Poh Leng.

Poh Leng is a vital member of the Victoria University Taekwondo Club, and is often the person treating and signing up new students and managing the club’s entry to tournaments / logistics/ behind the scene work.

Profile
Started TKD : 1987 - 1990 (ITF)
2010 to current (WTF)
1st Dan (ITF)
3rd Dan Kukkiwon (WT)
TUNZ Regional Poomsae Director
TUNZ & TNZ Poomsae Judge
Club TKD Instructor

What's your favourite part of poomsae?
To be able to admire, enjoy and try to achieve the beautiful flow of power, rhythm and accuracy in executing the taegeuk and poomsae forms correctly. Poomsae also enables me to keep up my cardio workout and my flexibility while warming up and practicing them.

What is the highlight of your poomsae journey?
Witnessing the progress and development of our poomsae journey where our son Campbell represented New Zealand at the Australian Open and Oceania Poomsae Competition in 2014 and won gold medals, as well as having competed as pairs with Campbell and my husband Ian. Another highlight was seeing the improvement and achievements of our club members in tournament events.

What is it like at a poomsae seminar?
It is a very friendly and encouraging place to be where the poomsae directors are all working towards one goal of achieving uniformity in the techniques while maintaining the standard and correct forms of all the taegeuk and poomsae. We are all constantly learning and improving ourselves for the benefit of our TKD community.

TNZ congratulates Poh Leng on her selection to the New Zealand team.