Master Yong Dai Cho is one of the most well known names in Australian martial arts. He is the highest ranked Taekwondo instructor in the country and is the highest 9th Dan Taekwondo Instructor in the Southern Hemisphere. He was graded a 9th Dan and awarded Taekwondo’s highest honour as Grand Master in December 1992. Grand Master Cho is the Chief Instructor and founder of the Australian Taekwondo Federation for which he was inaugural President and foundation member of the Australian Taekwondo Union.
He created what is now known as Cho’s Taekwondo Academy in 1972.
Rob began Taekwondo at Cho’s Taekwondo Academy at Rosalie in Brisbane in 1975.
Master Cho was based in Melbourne at the time, and travelled to Brisbane four to five times a year to conduct training seminars and gradings. Training was very physical with large numbers crammed into a tiny hall with a splintery floor, two nights per week. Sparring was always the major focus of the night and leaving a training session with lumps and bruises was the norm. Protective gear other than a chest protector was not available until the early 80’s and full contact tournaments had a whole different meaning to today’s competitions.
Rob received his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1981 and in 1982 a brand new hall became available at the Ferny Hills State School (FHSS). From there, the Ferny Hills club was born.
Over the years Cho’s Taekwondo has had a strong association with the FHSS, attending annual events to help promote and raise funds for the school community.
The Ferny Hills Club has always been a strong supporter of Club, State, National and International Competition, with many successes over the years. We have also developed many Referees, including current International referees, Coaches and Officials.