Grand Master Wahid Halimee's journey in martial arts is a testament to lifelong dedication, global influence, and continuous learning, marked by significant achievements and leadership roles across various disciplines and continents.
His foundational martial arts training began early, starting in 1965 when he studied Shotokan Karate and Judo in Lebanon under the tutelage of Master Yamamoto. Years later, in 1976, he delved into Traditional Style Taekwondo in Adelaide, South Australia, training with Master Vernon Low and Instructor John O'Brien as part of Rhee Taekwondo.
His pursuit of knowledge led him to the USA in 1980, where he refined his skills in Olympic Style Taekwondo with Grand Master Cha Sok Park. Four years later, in 1984, he broadened his expertise under Grand Master Cha Sok Park once more, this time focusing on soft-style Hapkido and stick-fighting. The early 1990s saw him studying under the guidance of Great Grand Master Won Kook Lee, the revered founder of Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1993 when Grand Master Wahid Halimee, alongside Master Carol Halimee, co-founded the World Taekwondo/Oriental Sports Academy in Australia, establishing a significant martial arts institution. His commitment to various martial arts continued, as he studied Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo with Master Lee Sung Jae in Malaysia in 1996. The same year, he began to extend his influence internationally by starting World Taekwondo Clubs in Ireland, sending Rowland McGahban to Nenagh to promote and teach Taekwondo there.
The late 1990s were a period of significant recognition and international engagement for Grand Master Wahid Halimee. In 1997, he was awarded his 5th Dan Black Belt by Grand Master Won Kuk Lee, the founder of Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo, a testament to his mastery. That year also saw him appointed as Chief Instructor at the Oriental Sports Academy in Australia by Grand Master Cha Sok Park. He became a delegate to the inaugural convention of the Martial Arts Federation for World Peace in Washington, DC, and hosted the 1st International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar in Adelaide. In 1998, he conducted Ireland's first official Black Belt test and hosted the 2nd International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by the late Grand Master Cha Sok Park (Senior Vice President of the World Taekwonod Federation, at the time) in Adelaide. He also took on a leadership role as President of the World Chung Do Federation Australia.
His expertise continued to be recognised, leading to an Intensive Program in Kumdo and Hapkido with Yong In University Master Lee M H in 1999. That year, he hosted the 3rd International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by Grand Master Cha Sok Park in Adelaide and achieved his 6th Dan in Kumdo. His dedication was further acknowledged with a citation for the promotion of Taekwondo from the President of the World Tae Kwondo Federation, and he served as a delegate at the Sydney Olympic trials with GM Cha Sok Park.
The new millennium brought further expansion and deeper international ties. In 2001, Grand Master Wahid Halimee trained at the Kukkiwon and the Taegeuk Bong Weapons Academy in Seoul, Korea, hosted the 4th International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by GM Park in Adelaide, and founded the World Hapkido Academy in South Australia. By 2002, he completed a Course of International Instructor Training in Cheonan-Si, Korea, and attained his 6th Dan in Taekwondo. A significant milestone occurred in 2003 when he celebrated the 10th Year anniversary of World Taekwondo in Australia, alongside hosting the 5th International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by GM Park in Adelaide.
In 2004, he hosted the 1st International Taekwondo Instructor Course in Adelaide and co-presented with GM Cha Sok Park to New Zealand Taekwondo HQ. His contributions were honoured with a citation from the Pan American Taekwondo Union President for the development of Taekwondo in Australia. His international engagements continued with a visit to Lebanon in 2005 to meet the President of the Lebanese Taekwondo Association, and participation in the 6th Pan American Taekwondo Union Special Technical Seminar in Seoul, Korea in 2006.
By 2007, he completed an International Instructor Course in the Korea Hapkido Martial Arts Federation, achieved his 6th Dan in Hapkido, and was appointed as the official representative in Australia and Ireland for the World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation. 2008 marked an official visit to ITF HQ in Vienna where he exchanged techniques with Master Kim Chol Gyu, and celebrated the 10th Anniversary of his World Taekwondo clubs in Ireland. His influence at the highest levels was recognised with his appointment as a member of the International Advisory Committee to Kukkiwon.
The following years solidified his global standing. In 2009, he visited the President of Kukkiwon with GM Hae Man Park and Master Yoon-Ahm Shin, and co-hosted an International Seminar in Adelaide with GM Hae Man Park & Master Kwon Young Woon. By 2010, he completed the Korean Taekwondo Training Course in Juseong University, Korea, and was awarded his 7th Dan Taekwondo, also receiving an Official International Recognition Plaque from Grand Master Hae Man Park. In 2011, he became Australia's official representative for Kowat Alrami Sports & Self Defence Styles. He continued to host international training seminars in Seoul, Korea, including at the famous Dokkeabi Do Jhang in 2012 and the Kukkiwon Gym in 2017.
Most recently, 2023 stands out as a landmark year for Grand Master Wahid Halimee. He achieved his 8th Dan Taekwondo and was qualified as an International Taekwondo Master and Examiner by Kukkiwon HQ in Korea. This was further highlighted by a Diploma for outstanding performance at the Poom/Dan Examiner Course, presented by Grand Master Lee Dong-Sup, President of the Kukkiwon. His career reflects a deep commitment to martial arts, not just as a practitioner, but as a leader, educator, and international ambassador.
