Martial Arts History :

Chief Instructor Shane Astwood's career in the Martial Arts officially started 28 years ago with the Martial Art of Judo back in 1980 when he was 12. Shane trained in the local RSL Hall for 9 months and attained the grade of Orange belt. Unfortunately the Judo club had to move due to renovations and thus Judo was no longer available. No way did this stop him from training though, he had two sisters to practice on and of course his mates! ( Pictured left is Shane Astwood at the age of 12, proud as punch upon earning a white belt!)

While attending Junior high Shane continued to train in the Martial Arts.He had three good mates that were doing "Lung Chi Kung Fu" for three years they shared their knowledge and did the back yard training on weekends that all young Bruce Lee fans did, kicking, punching yelling and having a good time.

Training didn't end with just Judo or Kung Fu though, Shane's father, Bill Astwood, being a runner up in the boxing final at his high school also provided those essential building blocks that all successful Martial Artists need, good fast hands!. Another close friend also with a history of amateur boxing provide some useful back yard open hand sparring practice, nothing like having a good left jab to get you out of trouble!

Upon leaving High School, Shane had numerous occupations. He has been a Bank Manager (Suncorp). Worked on a Mobile animal farm going around to schools teaching children about animals. Owned and operated a very successful financial planning firm and even spent time on the rodeo circuit riding bulls! 
( to the left is Chief Instructor Shane Astwood pictured on a first division Rodeo Bull "Mellow Yellow)

The professional knowledge, courage and experience he attained while undertaking these roles directly flows into his Art today!

Shane's career in Taekwondo started in 1992 when he was introduced to Rhee Taekwondo by a friend. Training was undertaken in the Sandgate Primary School. Shane trained under numerous Instructors within the Rhee Taekwondo organisation in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast. Shane attained his first degree Black Belt while with Rhee Taekwondo. Once Shane earned his Black Belt, he went on to instruct and consequently taught many students, a number of whom have achieved 1st degree black belt status or higher and who are still active Instructors. Shane attributes much of his success to his former Instructor Mr Nigel Higgs (Rhee TKD Sunshine Coast).

In March 2004, after 6 years of  Instructing as a blackbelt, Shane was promoted to 2nd degree Black belt (Cert no 006), by Mr. Les Hicks.

Pictured left -Chief Instructor Shane Astwood with 3rd Degree Black Belt, Mr Les Hicks.

In December 2003 the sudden loss of Shane's sister Michele to asthma bought about a massive life change. Shane sold his Finance practice and spent two years building up his Taekwon-Do school full-time.

It was now that Shane left Shim Jang and with a group of dedicated instructors and students, formed Yin Yang . Yin Yang has since gotten back to the true roots of Taekwon-Do and joined the ITF.

Shane was promoted to 3rd Degree in Jan 06 By a panel of three ITF International Instructors- Mr Michael Muleta (6th Dan), Mr Steven Legrow (5th Degree) and Mr Christopher Galibert (5th Degree).

Yin Yang Taekwon-Do has grown to such an extent that a permanent manager is now in place (Mr Gavin Moyle). Shane still teaches classes but has removed himself from many of the daily duties required to run the organisation.

In addition to being the Chief Instructor, Shane also now holds the position of Sales Manager for a large Financial Institution.

Professional Qualifications :

In addition to instructing and running Yin Yang Taekwondo, Shane is constantly furthering his knowledge both of Martial Arts and teaching skills.

Shane holds the following qualifications:-

- Level one coaching certificate - General martial Arts (ASC)

- Certificate II, Sport and Recreation - Martial Arts Coaching (ICMA)

- Certificate III - Qualified Gym Instructor (AIF)

- Certificate IV - Qualified Personal Trainer (AIF)

- Senior First Aid Certificate

Other professional upskilling is undertaken by way of continuing education seminars thus enabling Shane to be registered member of Fitness Queensland, the governing body for Fitness professionals in Queensland.

Shane has also undertaken the following ITF courses:-

Jan 2006 Steven Legrow (World champion ITF Sparring) Seminar Brisbane

Mar 2006 3 day International Instructor Course Malaysia - Grand Master Choi

May 2007 2 Day Instructor Seminar Gold Coast - Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha

Nov 2007 5 Day Black Belt Workshop Northern Ireland - Master Paul Cutler

On a more personal note :

Shane has been married for 11 years to his lovely wife Val. Val is an not only an active Black Belt member of Yin Yang Taekwondo but is also an Instructor.  When not teaching Taekwondo, Shane and Val are either boating and fishing or running around the house trying to save their shoes from Pippa, a naughty Jack Russell Terrier. In addition to Pippa, they also have another canine called Arthur (a very dopey boxer dog) and two cats! The picture to the left shows Instructor Val with the two canine family members.

Shane and Val backpacked through 18 country's for 8 months in 2007 on what one might call a Taekwon-Do sabbatical. They trained in Korea, Egypt, Ireland and Northern Ireland while taking in all the sights this great world has to offer.

I trust the above gives you an insight into the leader of Yin Yang Taekwondo. We are positive you will benefit greatly from the training you receive through us.

Taekwon

Chief Instructor Shane Astwood