Benjamin Driscoll has made history at Stanwell Park Hapkido, becoming the club’s first student to earn a first-degree black belt in the Korean martial art.
“The feeling of just the culmination of hard work really is incredible,” said Ben, who enrolled in the children’s class in 2015 and has risen through the grades to achieve his dream.
Chief instructor Christopher Currey, who is a 4th-degree black belt in hapkido and a 1st-degree black belt in taekwondo, said Ben’s achievement was “a real boost” for the club.
“To get my first black belt [student], I feel honoured, as well that he had the passion to stay with it,” Chris said. “As an individual … he'd come from this shy person, [he’s] still a bit shy, but the confidence within him has grown.”
Chris founded Stanwell Park Hapkido at the CWA Hall 13 years ago, running evening classes for children and adults.
Ben signed up for the kids’ class to help improve his focus and over the years he’s increased his training commitment from a single weekly class to rigorous sessions several nights a week.
To prepare for his black belt grading, Ben concentrated on his fitness and technical training.
“You need to put on the pressure to get there,” he said.
“[I was doing] a lot more running, going to the gym so much more, trying to pick up the fitness and all the skills necessary, which was a lot of work, but I think it turned out well.”
A first-degree black belt is just the beginning in Hapkido, as the martial art's black belt ranking system goes all the way to 10th degree.
“I really have no plans of stopping,” Ben said.
“Between my next grading, I believe it's two years, so I'm just going to keep on rolling.”
As a branch of the Australian Hapkido Association, Stanwell Park Hapkido club (or dojang in Korean) teaches adults and children self-defence, respect and discipline.
“It gives a lot for their own self-belief and confidence,” Chris said. “You put in the work and you grow within yourself.”
After receiving his hapkido black belt in 2010, Chris decided he wanted to teach the martial art – a year later, he started the Stanwell Park Hapkido club.
“I just wanted to take it to a different level,” he said. “It's also part of my training to instruct as well, to grow as a martial artist.”
Chris – who also trains once a week at Sutherland Hapkido in Sylvania – has created a club with a supportive culture, with an emphasis on learning over ego.
“It's an incredible experience because I've known Chris for over nine years now,” Ben said.
“He's taught me all, from that little age up until black belt, but it's been really good and there's so much support with everyone who works there.”
Ben has convinced his father to train alongside him and Chris said several fathers and a mother had started training at the club because their children had been taking part in the classes. “So you have that kind of thing where the family can enjoy it together.”
Beginners are welcome at Stanwell Park Hapkido. There are classes for children and adults, with a three-session trial and flexible payment options available, including a 10-lesson card where members only pay for classes they attend. For more information, visit the website.