More than martial arts

Despite a tough start in life, Rana Moanaroa is a quiet force for good – giving back to his community through the discipline and dedication of martial arts. A fifth degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do and manager of Te Pātaka for Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust, Rana has influenced countless lives through his Legion Taekwon-Do clubs. Justin Eade speaks with him about the journey, the impact, and the joy he finds in watching his students grow – both on and off the mat.

I was born in Wairau, and raised in Wairau, Christchurch and Tauranga. But home for me is wherever my family are. My start in life was a hard one, I endured the effects of a hurt generation before mine. I left home at the behest of the state at the age of 10, and was taken in by a sister and brother-in-law until I was 13, and then by another sister until I was 16.

Movies were my first point of contact with martial arts, and in the early ‘80s, I was introduced to the ‘old-style’ Kung Fu movies of the day by my brother-in-law. I enjoyed the journey of the main characters – most would suffer a loss or hardship, then find a mentor who would train them to surpass their limits. I gravitated to Taekwon-Do in particular because I met great people who became close friends who were doing it, and I also enjoyed Taekwon-Do’s philosophy and flying kicks.

At first, martial arts gave me a chance to step out of my comfort zone. I was a really reclusive person, not having gone to school since leaving home. Socialising was, at times, debilitating. Having a safe place to experience different aspects of life, martial arts gave me a sense of personal development and accomplishment, which led to further expanding my horizons. Martial arts became a conduit for my emotions and actions, providing a drive to try and better myself.

I’ve been fortunate to have the right mentors at the right time, along with the love and support of my siblings and their partners. There were people willing to accept me and encourage me to grow. My Taekwon-Do instructors all had an impact on me, but none greater than Mr Shane Eade, from whom I inherited Redwoodtown Taekwon-Do.

I started at Redwoodtown Taekwon-Do in 1999 and gained my first degree Black Belt in 2004. Training has never stopped for me, and I’ve managed to slowly make my way through the ranks. In total, I’ve had 26 years practicing and 21 years as an instructor. I’m really proud of my students and grateful for those who’ve also taken up the mantle of instructor, growing Legion Taekwon-Do to be the largest group of martial arts clubs in Marlborough, with eight clubs.

At Legion we have the highest number of Taekwon-Do Black Belts in Marlborough. Myself and three of my students were the first in the region to go from White Belt to Fourth and Fifth Degree. However, my biggest achievement is providing a path for others to reach their goals in life, and supporting others as I have been supported. I’m very lucky to be backed by Grand Master Jamie Moore of Worldwide Taekwon-Do from Australia.

With a mindset of pay-it-forward, Legion provides a place for young people and families to spend time together – a space where we grow together, navigating life knowing there is always a safe place to make mistakes and learn. There are no set programmes, we evolve together.

Most of our clubs are run in support of a host school, where their students do not pay term fees. We also don’t charge for those under eight years old and prioritise people over money. My greatest pleasure is seeing students grow into their own version of themselves, creating opportunities – and then sharing their success with others.

I am only afforded the privilege of showing my pride because there are those who have accepted my help and trusted me. The fact that Legion Taekwon-Do has flourished is only because of the trust and support we have towards each other as a collective.

Taekwon-Do has been a powerful vehicle for expressing and focusing my life's energy. My wife and children are all Black Belts too, which helps them understand and accept my commitment to Legion Taekwon-Do. They are very supportive and an active cog in it all, especially my wife Shana.

My work is also about supporting the community. In particular, my role allows me to help get food on people’s tables, which is deeply rewarding. Another passion of mine is education – knowing that our future truly depends on our children.

I would love to see a Legion Taekwon-Do school as an alternative to mainstream schooling. I have just completed my BA in Teaching and Learning and would love to be a teacher with a martial arts focus. Within Marlborough I would love to see people looking after each other, and remembering that there is enough space, and resources for everyone.

Legion Taekwon-Do | Blenheim

Legion Taekwon-Do, Blenheim. 588 likes · 38 were here. Martial arts school

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