Meet master Magua who is a taekwon-do practitioner
NORWOOD – Local taekwon-do instructor is the first to reach 7th Dan black belt in the national federation.
A local taekwon-do practitioner has just become the first person to reach master level in the national federation, Taekwon-do South Africa.
Norman Magua, now a 7th dan black belt, runs martial arts clubs in Emmarentia, North Riding, Norwood, Bedfordview and Lenasia.
His grading was initially planned for May last year when the vice-president of the International Taekwon-do Federation, grandmaster Trevor Nicholls (9th dan) was to visit South Africa.
But when the borders closed this was put on hold until just recently, when Nicholls oversaw the grading online.
“I was also grading with an Irish 6th dan at the same time,” Magua said.
“The grading lasted approximately two hours and was mentally and physically demanding as well as the training leading up to it. It was a culmination of over 26 years of dedication to training. It also helps that I can get the support of my whole family doing taekwon-do.”
Magua explained that his wife, Tanya, started training around the same time as him. Their eldest son, Jadon (13), is a 1st dan black belt and their younger son, Damon (8), is coming along nicely in the martial art.
“The rank of 7th dan is considered master level with the International Taekwon-do Federation. I am very proud and honoured to be the first in our federation [to achieve this],” he said.
He added that his title had also changed now which was taking some getting used to for him and his students. Magua’s students used to refer to him as sabum-nim but now address him as sahyun-nim (meaning master).
“I intend to help other members of our clubs and our federation reach the higher ranks now that this rank has been achieved in South Africa. I continue to teach taekwon-do to all ages and belt levels as a tool for positive all round self-development and self-defence.”
Magua said he also looked forward to attending masters seminars and take on responsibilities in an international capacity.
For more information about Magua and his martial arts clubs, visit MTG Magua Taekwon-Do Group at www.tkd.co.za or call 083 226 1836.
