“‘You can’t do that!’ people would say about me learning Tae Kwon Do. Surprise, surprise - I can! I had that ‘no fear’ attitude and a blind faith that I could do anything. Ten feet tall and bulletproof.”
Tony was introduced to martial arts through one of his children who was taking Tae Kwon Do lessons. He originally trained with Allan France and later trained under the instruction of Master Kesi O'Neil who was coach to the New Zealand National team and the Samoan Olympics team.
After 3 years of training, Tony went for his grading and was conferred his first-degree black belt in Auckland.
“You certainly have a compelling story to tell and your technique is great. You were able to capture an audience, make them laugh and cry, but most importantly hold them until the end. Congratulations!”
Once he obtained his black belt, he began to teach young children and became a role model for successfully achieving what other people said could not be done.
Tony represented New Zealand in a demonstration Tae Kwon Do team in Western Samoa and was quite a novelty there especially when he was throwing his instructor over his shoulders.
The following year, Tony was conferred his second-degree black belt.