Master Carol Halimee's journey in martial arts is a remarkable narrative of dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to the global development of Taekwondo. Holding an academic degree in Health and Physical Education, her expertise extends beyond physical prowess to a deep understanding of pedagogy.
Her foundational training began in 1972, when she delved into Traditional Style Taekwondo in Adelaide, South Australia. A significant turning point in her martial arts education came in 1990, as she had the privilege of studying under the revered Grand Master Won Kook Lee, the very founder of Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo. This early mentorship laid the groundwork for her future endeavours.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1993 when Master Carol Halimee co-founded World Taekwondo in Australia, establishing a significant institution that would shape the martial arts landscape in the region. Her mastery continued to deepen, reflected in her promotions: in 1997, she was awarded her 5th Dan Black Belt directly under Grand Master Won Kook Lee, a testament to her skill and dedication. That same year, she was officially appointed as an Instructor at the Oriental Sports Academy in Australia and served as a delegate to the inaugural Convention of the Martial Arts Federation for World Peace in Washington, DC. Her international engagement began in earnest with a Special Instructor Training Course in London, England, alongside Grand Master Cha Sok Park, and she hosted the 1st International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar led by GM Park in Adelaide.
The late 1990s continued to mark her growing influence. In 1998, she conducted Ireland’s first official World Taekwondo Black Belt test and hosted the 2nd International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by GM Park in Adelaide. 1999 was a year of significant recognition and expansion: she was awarded her 4th Dan in Kumdo from the Korea Martial Kumdo Federation, received a citation for her dedication and promotion of Taekwondo from the World Taekwondo Federation President, and undertook a Special Intensive Training Program in Kumdo and Hapkido with Master Lee M H in the USA. She also hosted the 3rd International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar by GM Park in Adelaide and served as an official delegate at the Sydney Olympic trials alongside GM Cha Sok Park.
The new millennium saw her continuing to ascend the ranks and solidify her international standing. In 2001, she achieved her 5th Dan Taekwondo and hosted the 4th International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar in Adelaide. 2002 brought further accolades, as she won a Gold Medal at the 2nd International Individual Pomsae Championship in Jeju Island, Korea and completed a prescribed Course of International Instructor Training in Cheonan-Si, Korea. She also became an Official Australian Referee.
2003 was a landmark year, as she celebrated the 10th Anniversary of World Taekwondo in Australia and hosted the 5th International Taekwondo & Hapkido Training Seminar in Adelaide. Her contributions to the martial art were further recognized with a citation from the Pan American Taekwondo Union President for the development of Taekwondo in Australia. From 2005 to 2007, she held a significant leadership role as the President of the Taekwondo Australia Association, SA Division. By 2006, her expertise was formally recognised with her promotion to 6th Dan Taekwondo Master, and she completed the 6th Pan American Taekwondo Union Special Technical Course in Seoul, Korea.
In 2004, she co-hosted the 1st International Taekwondo Instructor Course in Adelaide and co-presented with GM Cha Sok Park to New Zealand Taekwondo HQ. Her 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.
Her international collaborations continued to flourish. In 2008, she made an official visit to the ITF HQ in Vienna, where she exchanged techniques with Master Kim Chol Gyu, and marked the 10th Anniversary of her co-founded World Taekwondo clubs in Ireland. 2009 saw her visiting the President of Kukkiwon alongside GM Hae Man Park and Master Yoon-Ahm Shin, and she co-hosted an International Seminar in Adelaide with Grand Masters Hae Man Park & Master Kwon Young Woon. In 2010, she completed the Korean Taekwondo Training Course in Juseong University, Korea, and visited Egyptian Taekwondo National Team Coach Mr. Mahmoud Shalaby to exchange sparring techniques. Since 1998, she has consistently conducted seminars and Black Belt Tests in Ireland and Australia, a testament to her ongoing dedication to teaching and development. Her enduring commitment to international training is evident in her co-hosting of International Training Seminars in Seoul, Korea, in 2012 at the famous Dokkeabi Do Jhang, and again in 2017 at the Kukkiwon.
