About New Plymouth Taekwondo & Hapkido Club
Established in 1981, the New Plymouth Taekwondo and Hapkido Club (NPTHC) stands as a distinguished Dojang specializing in Korean martial arts, such as Hapkido, Taekwondo, and incorporating elements of Kuk Sool Won and Gumdo. Led by Master Steve Drummond, whose expertise and commitment set the highest standards, the club fosters an environment of excellence, discipline, and personal development.
NPTHC offers its members the rare opportunity to earn black belts across multiple martial arts disciplines. As one of only two clubs in New Zealand with these distinguished qualifications, we are committed to delivering rigorous and comprehensive martial arts education of the highest calibre.
Our primary focus is on effective self-defence and the preservation of traditional martial arts values and philosophies. NPTHC adheres to the Hapkido and Taekwondo curriculums and traditions established by Grandmaster Lee Jung Nam (9th Dan Black Belt in both Hapkido and Taekwondo), the esteemed founder of the club.
At NPTHC, students are taught to employ both long-range and close-range combat techniques. Training includes powerful kicks and hand strikes at distance, as well as pressure-point strikes, joint locks, and throws in close quarters. Instruction emphasises circular motion, redirection of force, and precise control of the opponent. Practitioners develop strategic advantages through refined footwork and body positioning, leveraging technique over brute strength. Additionally, the curriculum encompasses traditional weapons training, including knife, sword, rope (belt), cane (walking sticks), short stick, and staff (broom handle).
Areas of Specialisation
We provide practical self-defence instruction, drawing on techniques utilised by special forces. Our curriculum also emphasises falling and rolling skills, personal safety, wellness, core values, and confidence-building within a safe and supportive environment.
Styles & Practices Taught
- Traditional Jiu Jitsu
- Hapkido
- Taekwondo
- Weapons Training
- Breathwork / Pranayama
- Competition Training
- Kids Classes
Training Emphasis
NPTHC integrates traditional, contemporary, and sports science-based training methods to create an optimal learning environment for all members. We foster a collaborative team culture, where members support one another's development and growth.
Classes & Training
Class Structure
The Kids’ Class is designed for children aged 5 to 10 years, providing a clear pathway to the Junior Black Belt for students aged 15 and under. The program typically requires approximately five years of consistent training, and parents are actively encouraged to participate alongside their children at no additional cost.
Intermediate to Adult Classes are available to individuals aged 10 and above, with no previous martial arts experience required. Training sessions focus on Taekwondo on Mondays and Hapkido on Wednesdays. Periodically include instruction in Korean weapons, board breaking, and ground grappling.
Timetable
Kids Classes - Monday and Wednesday, 5:15 pm to 5:50 pm
Intermediate to Adult Classes: Monday and Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm