Master Stuart Holliday | 5th Dan Master
As a child, I was captivated by Bruce Lee films. Despite the bad dubbing, they were electrifying, and I watched them repeatedly. As I grew older, martial arts movies evolved, with Hollywood recognizing their commercial potential. Through stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, and Sho Kosugi, I was introduced to the power of different martial arts. I was hooked and dreamt of doing what they did.
In 1985, at age 15, my twin brother and I began training in Shotokan Karate. It was a tough style, and the class was dominated by men who hit each other with full force. The instructor often spoke of wanting to be attacked on the street to "really use it." However, I didn’t feel like I fit in, and we left within the year.
The following year, I decided to try another martial art. Searching through the local paper, I called various clubs and asked a single question: “Can I wear my old karate uniform?” (My dad had paid for it, and we had two suits between us.) Taekwondo was the only club that said yes.
When I attended my first class, I was mesmerized by a row of green belts and blue tags at the front, their skill incredible. I wanted to be one of those blue tags. The Chief Instructor, Master Christophis, was inspiring, and after a brief conversation, I joined the club—GC Taekwondo, which later became CTF Taekwondo.
Over the years, I progressed through the ranks to blue tag, loving every moment. Though I often doubted I matched the skill of the blue tags I had admired on my first day, I cherished being a senior grade and learning techniques like the spinning kick. By 1990, I attempted my 1st Dan black belt but failed. I tried again in 1992 and succeeded.
Later that year, a few fellow black belts and I left the club to focus on independent training. This revitalized my passion for Taekwondo. However, a few years later, I developed sciatica, which made training difficult. To reignite my enthusiasm, I began teaching a small group of students, including my son and daughter. That was a turning point—watching them train brought new energy and joy.
In 2004, a motorbike accident left me with a broken leg in 3 places and nine months of recovery ahead. Along with another 1st Dan, Alan Piers—who with Master Chris had trained me for my 1st Dan—I decided to reconnect with CTF. Master Chris had retired, but the new generation of black belt instructors welcomed us back like long-lost family. We brought our small group of students, two of whom, Asa and Lewis, achieved their 1st Dan black belts. Seeing my son reach black belt was one of my proudest moments—far surpassing my own achievements. My daughter reached green tag before shifting her focus as a teenager.
In 2005, I earned my 2nd Dan black belt, followed by my 3rd Dan in 2009/2010. By 2013, Mark and I had taken over as Chief Instructors of the club, forming a strong partnership and friendship. In 2024, we were awarded our 5th Degree Master Certificates by Grand Master Hock Lye Ooi, and I also received a backdated 4th Degree from 2019. Master Chris honoured me with an Award of Honour for achieving 5th Degree Master status.
Alongside Taekwondo, I trained in Ninjutsu during the 1980s and Aikido in the 1990s, inspired by the action films of Sho Kosugi and Steven Seagal.
Some of my personal accomplishments include:
- Gold Medal in free sparring as a red belt at the CTF Club competition (1990)
- Silver Medal for kick breaking at the Midwest National Open (1986)
- Silver Medal in black belt forms at the Clash of the Dragons 3 British Open (2008)
- Gold Medals in the veterans black belt forms category at the NAS Open Tournament (2009 and 2010)
Teaching has been a central part of my journey since 1992, where I’ve had the privilege of running mixed-ability and mixed-age classes. I’ve even had the honour of taking part in a Jujitsu Seminar instructing 1st to 5th Degree Jujitsu Masters in the art of Taekwondo. When I am not teaching I enjoy looking up different Martial arts and absorb their techniques on you tube and different Martial art websites.
If you get a chance, please look up these incredible martial arts demonstrations:
- Christian Tissier - April 1991 Aikido demonstration: Witness the elegance and precision of Aikido as demonstrated by one of its masters.
- Jean Frenette - Kata Musical in World Martial Arts Extravaganza 1991: Experience the dynamic fusion of martial arts and music in this captivating performance.
- Chloe Bruce - Irish Open 2011: Marvel at the athleticism and flexibility showcased in this winning form.
- Viet Vo Dao - Demonstration Bercy Paris 2008: Explore the rich tradition and skill of Viet Vo Dao through this impressive demonsration.
I also love to delve into the roots of Taekwondo and learn about influential figures who have shaped martial arts. These individuals are worth checking out:
- Anko Itosu - One of the fathers of modern karate, known for introducing karate to Okinawa's schools and developing fundamental kata.
- Sokon Matsumura - A legendary karate master from Okinawa, credited with passing down important kata and serving as a martial arts instructor for Okinawan kings.
- Gichin Funakoshi - The father of modern karate and founder of Shotokan karate, who introduced karate to Japan and emphasized its philosophical aspects.
- Hwang Kee - Founder of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, influential in the development and global spread of Korean martial arts.
- General Choi Hong-Hi - Founder of Taekwondo and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), instrumental in the global spread of Taekwondo.
I do not believe any martial art is better than another. I think you just need a good club and good instructors.
Two aspects of Taekwondo hold deep meaning for me beyond the personal accolades. First, the lifelong friendships I’ve formed—friends who feel like family. Second, watching my son teach a class of over 40 students every Friday, with me more as his helper really seeing him inspire others and carry forward the passion for Taekwondo fills me with pride. I am proud to be part of the CTF legacy, training future instructors and keeping the club strong along side Mark and my friends and family.
Master Stuart Holliday