Inducted into A.M.A.H.O.F.(Inc) and W.K.U.H.O.F. in 2010
Life-Time Achievement – Taekwondo NZ
Master Paul McPhail began his training in 1975, a student of Mr Norman Ng in Palmerston North. He was promoted to 1st Dan black belt at age sixteen, and later became assistant instructor to Mr Evan Davidson at the Khandallah branch in Wellington. In 1985 he moved to Auckland to become a professional Taekwon-Do instructor. He started Auckland’s third club (Manurewa) in February 1985, North Shore branch in April and Papakura branch in 1988.
Mr McPhail began examining in 1988 on his promotion to 4th Dan black belt. He has since attended seven international instructors courses, five conducted by the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi. He is qualified as an International Instructor and A Grade International Umpire. In 1994 he was awarded the ‘Outstanding Instructor Medal’ from the International Taekwon-Do Federation. He was promoted to 7th Dan in 2004.
Paul McPhail is currently the Chief Examiner for the International Taekwon-Do Foundation of New Zealand (ITFNZ), as well as the Technical Director. He wrote the Grading and Techniques Syllabus which is in use throughout the Country, and is the author of the book “Taekwon-Do – Beginners’ Training Manual”, which is in its third Printing.
A full history available on his website: