About Us
Tiger Taekwon-Do opened in 1985 at Palmerston North Boys' High School. Mr Mike Lowe is the owner and Instructor.
Our club currently comprises mostly tamariki from four to 13 years, together with a few mātua.
Ākonga train with us for reasons including having fun, learning self-defence, developing self-confidence and getting fit.
In addition, we educate our ākonga about values such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
Ākonga are regularly offered opportunities to grade and advance their belt rank.
For ākonga with a competitive streak, there are opportunities to compete at regional, national and international levels.
Our members also participate in various seminars and camps.
Our Team
Gina Oliver
Hamish Lunn
Alex Sharpe
Our Instructor
Tēnā koutou katoa
Greetings to you all
Ko Hainamana toku tupuna
My ancestry is Chinese
engari
but
Ko Tāmaki Makaurau te whenua tupu
I was born in Auckland
Ko Te Papaioea te kāinga
My home is in Palmerston North
Ko kaiako kairīwhi ahau i Te Kura Tuarua mo Ngā Tamatāne o Te Papaioea
I am a relieving teacher at Palmerston North Boys’ High School
Ko Lowe tōku whānau
Lowe is my family
Ko Michael tōku ingoa
My name is Michael
Tēnā tātou katoa
Greetings to one and all
- At a Glance
- 1974 February began training at Massey University Taekwon-Do Club under Mr Chin Wong
- 1977 October 4, promotion to I Degree, ATA 50
- 1978 became Instructor at the Massey University Taekwon-Do Club
- 1981 commenced duties as registered teacher of science and biology, Palmerston North Boys' High School
- 1982 March 18 , promotion to II Degree, JDK 19
- 1985 opened Tiger Taekwon-Do at Palmerston North Boys' High School
- 1987 July 11, promotion to III Degree, MY 20
- Current instructor of ITFNZ Instructor Induction Course
- 1993 October 4, promotion to IV Degree (No. 4-5)
- 2005 November 12, inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame
- Past Regional Director of ITFNZ and member of the ITFNZ Technical Committee
- 2016 January 29, promotion to V Degree (No. 5-20)
- 2022 July 2, promotion to VI Degree (ITF-NZ-6-27)
- 2023 January, retired from full-time secondary school teaching
- 2023 Member of ITFNZ Education Committee
Origins
Growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, I developed a fascination with kung fu movies during Sunday night screenings at the Oriental Ballroom with my mātua. This interest led me to aikido in secondary school, and eventually, Taekwon-Do during my first year at university in Te Papaioea Palmerston North.
Joining the Massey University Taekwon-Do Club under Mr Chin Wong’s instruction marked the beginning of my journey. Despite changes in leadership, I thrived in the club, and when faced with the choice of its continuity, stepped up to become its instructor.
Instructing became a self-discovery voyage, influenced by various instructors, initially Master Young-Ku Yun. Over four decades, I’ve witnessed the transformation of my instructing style, blending skills from both school teaching and Taekwon-Do.
Retired from full-time school teaching, I continue instructing because it’s in my nature. The transition from school teaching to Taekwon-Do instructing has been seamless, each enhancing the other. Instructing gives me purpose, a chance to contribute to the community, and an opportunity to share my accumulated skills and values.
Remaining a Taekwon-Do instructor after more than 40 years presents challenges. However, my commitment to staying fit and mentally strong mirrors the ideals of Taekwon-Do. Embracing physical limitations as motivation, I find joy in daily movement, whether through walking, gym workouts, or Taekwon-Do training.
Instructing keeps me feeling alive and valued. Beyond personal benefits, I enjoy teaching not only my students but other instructors too. Continuous self-evaluation is ingrained, driving a commitment to constant change and improvement in my club. My aim is to provide a transformative experience for all members and becoming the best in the business. To see how our students grow through different stages, you can explore our Mini Kids programme: or the Juniors Plus programme:
My interest in te ao Māori adds another dimension to my Taekwon-Do journey. Incorporating the use of te reo Māori and tikanga in the club aims to help revitalise the language and culture, and uplift the mana of the Rangitāne iwi.
Lastly, my involvement in our national organisation’s education committee allows me to share 42 years’ worth of pedagogy, enhancing Taekwon-Do instruction throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. If you’d like to understand what students learn as they train, you can visit What Will I Do in Taekwon-Do?
In summary, my Taekwon-Do journey, sparked by kung fu movies, has evolved into a lifelong commitment to instructing, self-improvement, and contribution to the community.
My Vision
The vision which I have for my students is that of a peaceful warrior. This male or female is trained in the art of combat but does not actively seek to fight. The peaceful warrior is strong, formidable and then peaceful, in that order.
A strong warrior possesses physical and mental strength. Physical strength is linked to great mobility–joints that are strong, flexible and stable. Mental strength is related to strength of character: having courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These qualities are introduced early in programmes like Kubz (ages 4–6): and further developed in Mini Kids (ages 7–8)
One who possesses physical and mental strength is a formidable person. A formidable person’s physical appearance, demeanour, and character may command fear or respect, and once this state has been achieved then there is no need to fight. As students grow, they continue strengthening these traits in our Juniors Plus programme
Taekwon-Do is the perfect exemplar of the paradox of martial arts: we train Taekwon-Do so that we will never use it. You can learn how this philosophy is applied in class through What Will I Do in Taekwon-Do? and why this approach shapes our teaching in Why Taekwon-Do?.
My Values
The essence of what we aim to instill in our students is called the Tenets of Taekwon-Do. These values serve as the foundation of our training and play a pivotal role in shaping not only our students’ martial arts skills but also their character and outlook on life. They are the mental strengths required of the peaceful warrior, and they are applied across all our programmes from Kubz to Mini Kids and Juniors Plus.
Courtesy
At the core of our practice is courtesy. It encompasses respect, politeness, and consideration for others. By embodying courtesy, our students learn to treat their peers, instructors, and everyone they encounter with kindness and dignity. It fosters a positive and harmonious training environment where mutual respect flourishes, which is reflected in everything taught in What Will I Do in Taekwon-Do?.
Integrity
Integrity forms the backbone of our teachings. It means being honest, principled, and upholding moral values even when faced with challenges. Through practising integrity, our students cultivate trustworthiness and accountability, essential qualities that extend far beyond the dojang and into all aspects of their lives.
“Amazing instructors, friendly environment, and real progress in every class.”
“The best decision I made was joining this academy. I feel stronger, focused, and motivated.”
The training is challenging but fun, and the instructors always push us to be our best.”
“I love how every class teaches a new skill. The energy, teamwork, and support here make me excited to train every day.”
The instructors combine technical expertise with genuine care, making each student feel valued.
The training builds strength, character, and leadership.”
“From the very first class, I felt welcomed and supported.
The academy maintains high standards and focuses on discipline, respect, and growth. I’ve improved physically and mentally.”
