Dragon's Spirit Taekwon-Do

This is the “Fist Tower” (주먹탑, Jumeok-tap) on Jeju Island, South Korea. Its formal name is the 29th Infantry Division Establishment Monument.

It is located in Sangmo-ri, Daejeong-eup, near Moseulpo in Seogwipo, close to Nongdam Pond. The area was associated with the Republic of Korea Army’s 29th Infantry Division, which General Choi Hong Hi established and commanded in 1954.

For ITF Taekwon-Do practitioners, it is particularly important because the 29th Division is closely connected with the early development of Choi’s martial art before the name “Taekwon-Do” was formally adopted in 1955. The division used a clenched-fist emblem, which is why locals came to call the monument the “Fist Tower.”

There is also quite a story behind the monument. It was erected in 1954, later secretly removed/buried in 1985, and after years of searching was excavated and restored in November 2000 with the help of local residents. A Korean academic study specifically documents this history.

It is also significant to ITF practitioners because Hwa-Rang has 29 movements, traditionally said to commemorate the 29th Infantry Division, where Choi and his soldiers were developing and practising the system that evolved into Taekwon-Do.

So, in ITF terms, this is one of the most historically important Taekwon-Do sites in Korea — effectively a pilgrimage site connected to the birthplace of the art.

I am blessed to have visited a number of times! 👊👊👊With friends of course! Which made it even better!

Registrations are open!

https://members.itkd.co.nz/events/courses/2027-iic/index.php?fbclid=IwZnRzaAUG6mlwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNx6bBNjvVIg57TgE1mytZqLXeBFw2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7UABdlxrDgus76o0Idaj3Zd8sONeWnGAv1ECjOMfYe2vJnBlTnM3IF_9JITg_aem_0vOiQeZPcweislcmIlgKvA

ITF IIC 2027 Auckland | International Instructors Course Join the ITF International Instructors Course in Auckland, New Zealand, 5-7 March 2027. Open to ITF black belts.

An excerpt from a post from the ITF today celebrating the IIC occurring in Bedford, England….

“Behind every number stands an instructor who has chosen the demanding path of lifelong learning — a path on which technical excellence must always be accompanied by humility, responsibility and character. In Taekwon-Do, the instructor does not simply teach movement; he or she helps shape conduct, confidence and the moral strength of the next generation.

It is in this spirit that the words associated with Won-Hyo, the Korean Buddhist monk whose name is borne by one of the ITF patterns, acquire particular meaning: “The greatest victory is victory over oneself.” For the martial-arts instructor, this victory is found not in overcoming another person, but in mastering impatience, pride and complacency; in returning to training with renewed discipline; and in becoming, through knowledge and example, worthy of guiding others.”

People ask, what drives me. It is this, and it has always been this.

Taekwon wonderful people.

👊👊👊

Master Raukura.

🥋 SENIOR DAN TRAINING – OPEN TO ALL 1st–3rd DEGREE BLACK BELTS 🥋

Our Senior Dan Training Sessions continue over the next few months, giving Black Belts the opportunity to train together, sharpen technical knowledge, develop skills and continue progressing on their Taekwon-Do journey.

📅 Upcoming Sessions
• Saturday – 5 September 2026
• Saturday – 3 October 2026
• Saturday – 7 November 2026

🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 MMC, Marua Road, Ellerslie
💰 Cost: $20.00 per session

The $20 fee is payable directly to Master Bhana when attending the session.

Train with experienced Senior Dans, deepen your knowledge and keep building toward the next stage of your Taekwon-Do journey.

Kindest regards, Master Raukura.

SNUGGLE SOCKS FUNDRAISER - FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME

Hi everyone,

For a very limited time we have a Snuggle Socks fundraiser courtesy of Master Joe, who has kindly provided these from his business at a greatly reduced rate. Normally retailing at nearly $30 we are selling these at only $10 a pair.

There are limited sizes available in particular styles. These will be on display at the club on Thursday. Choose what you like. Note down your name on the order sheet. The sizes you require, which style and we will charge you for your order.

We'll keep orders open for a few weeks so you can decide, let your friends know and allow you to order for your 'I don't know what to buy them' prezzies! 😊

Thanks team and for your continued support of the club.

Taekwon! Master Raukura.

Another image set! Thanks Sideline!!

Great weekend!!! Wonderful competitors! 👊👊👊 Extremely proud of our Dragon’s Spirit members!!!

ALL CLUB BLACK BELTS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION

Attendance is compulsory at this special technical event for our club Black Belt Team.

Taekwon! Master Raukura 👊👊👊

INSPIRATION FROM THE DRAGON’S DEN

“Discipline builds habits. Habits create character. Character fuels excellence. Excellence builds legacy.”
- Master Kane Raukura

People have often told me that I move like Mr Sam Clark, my instructor and the founder of Dragon’s Spirit Taekwon-Do (then Papatoetoe Taekwon-Do). They see it especially in my side kick, the same movement, the same influence, the same lessons passed on through years of training.

That is what legacy means in martial arts.

Mr Clark’s teaching lives on in me. And through me, those lessons now live on in all of you - in the way you train, the standards you hold, and the Taekwon-Do you will one day pass to others.

Techniques are taught. Character is shaped. Legacy is inherited and then passed on.

Legacy is forever
유산은 영원하다



Master Raukura