NPTHC is recognised by:
Welcome to NPTHC, Taranaki’s premier centre for authentic Korean martial arts. We offer expert instruction in Taekwondo and Hapkido, as well as advanced training in Kuk Sool Won—the martial art once practised in the Korean royal court. As you progress, you’ll also have the opportunity to master traditional Korean weapon techniques such as sword and stick fighting.
Korean martial arts boast a heritage spanning more than 3,600 years, making them some of the oldest martial traditions in the world. The MUYE DOBO TONGJI (“Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts”), published in Korea in 1795 AD, is regarded as the first comprehensive martial arts text. Our Taekwondo discipline, Bong Hwa Kwon, traces its roots back to AD 659 at the Beomeosa Buddhist temple, where monks continue to practice this revered style today.
Founded in 1981, NPTHC was established by Grandmaster Lee Jung Nam (GML), a 9th Dan Black Belt Master in both Taekwondo and Hapkido. Grandmaster Lee’s distinguished background includes service as a captain in the Korean special forces during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 1975, he was invited to New Zealand to provide hand-to-hand combat instruction to police and armed forces, including the SAS.
NPTHC is one of only two martial arts schools in New Zealand officially recognised by their respective national and international governing bodies to teach both Taekwondo and Hapkido. Members can pursue black belt rankings in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, and Jiu-Jitsu, ensuring a broad and credible martial arts education.
Our head instructor, Master Stephen (Steve) Drummond, holds a 7th Dan Black Belt and brings over 42 years of martial arts experience, including 34 years as an instructor. Master Drummond is an officially recognised instructor of Taekwondo, Kuk Jae (Lee’s) Hapkido, Hanminjok Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, and Jiu-Jitsu. He is the only individual in Taranaki with an international Taekwondo Master's and Examiner's qualification, and is authorised to grade students to Black Belt within the region.
NPTHC is affiliated with leading martial arts organisations, including the New Zealand Taekwondo Federation, Taekwondo New Zealand, Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo, Lee’s Hapkido New Zealand, Hanminjok Hapkido / World Kido Federation, and the New Zealand Jiu-Jitsu Federation. As a result, our members’ belt qualifications are recognised in 205 countries and by over 120 million practitioners worldwide.
Our Club
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is widely regarded as one of the oldest martial arts, with evidence suggesting origins dating back more than 3,600 years—some sources even estimate over 5,000 years. The modern art of Taekwondo emerged from a rich blend of historical Korean martial arts, including Taekkyeon, Subak, Gwonbeop, Tang Soo Do, and Hwarang-do. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1907–1945), these practices were preserved in secret, allowing their techniques and philosophies to survive and contribute to the development of contemporary Taekwondo.
Korea’s geographic location and history of conflict have fostered a robust martial arts tradition focused on self-protection and resilience. Today, Taekwondo is recognised globally, with World Taekwondo—the sport’s international governing body—comprising 205 national associations. There are over 120 million practitioners worldwide, and Taekwondo clubs can be found in most major cities.
Taekwondo is best known for its explosive and precise kicking techniques, which have become a hallmark of the discipline. However, the art encompasses a much broader range of skills. Traditional Taekwondo integrates powerful hand strikes, elbow and knee techniques, and a robust curriculum of defensive and offensive manoeuvres. With its origins in practical self-defense, Taekwondo’s techniques have been continually refined through centuries of real-world use. This legacy ensures that students gain skills that are not only effective but also adaptable for practitioners of all ages and abilities.
Hapkido
Hapkido originated in South Korea in the years following World War II, founded by Grandmaster Choi Yong Sul. Drawing foundational principles from Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, Hapkido was further developed by integrating techniques from Taekwondo and Judo, resulting in a comprehensive and versatile martial art.
Hapkido is often described as a traditional mixed martial art due to its diverse range of techniques and principles. Unlike contemporary mixed martial arts, Hapkido places a strong emphasis on practical self-defense that is adaptable for real-world scenarios.
Hapkido equips practitioners with the skills necessary to defend themselves and others against unprovoked aggression. Its curriculum includes precise hand strikes, dynamic kicking, joint locks, immobilizations, takedowns, throws, and ground defense. Central to Hapkido is the use of an opponent’s force and momentum, enabling practitioners to redirect attacks and respond with appropriate defensive or counteroffensive techniques for any situation.
As a result, Hapkido offers a unique and adaptable approach to self-defense, empowering individuals of all ages and abilities to protect themselves effectively in a wide variety of real-life situations.
Head Instructor / Master
Steve Drummond
Master Steve Drummond (affectionately known as GMD) is a 7th Dan Black-belt (Grandmaster) and Chief Instructor of NPTHC.
He has held the position of head Instructor since February 1994 when he took over from the previous instructor.
GMD is best known for teaching real, practical and proven self-defense techniques.
in 1991 GMD achieved his Black-belt, and also Instructors Certificate, in Taekwondo; since then he has become a Fully Qualified Instructor in:
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New Zealand Ju-Jitsu Federation (NZJJF)
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New Zealand Hapkido
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World Kido Federation/Haminjok Hapkido (WKF)
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New Zealand Taekwondo Federation (NZTF)
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World Taekwondo (WT)
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Sport New Zealand level 2 coach
GMD's qualifications also include the following:
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Kukkiwon (WT HQ) certified Master
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Kukkiwon (WT HQ) certified Examiner
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7th Dan Black-belt NZTF / WT (presented by President Chungwon Choue)
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5th Dan Black-belt Kukkiwon Taekwondo
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1st Dan Black-belt WKF
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1st Dan Black-belt NZ Hapkido
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Black-belt NZJJF
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Honorary Karate Black-belt
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Coloured belts in Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate, Kendo, Iaido and Judo
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Plaque of commendation awarded by the Prime Minister of Korea, President of the WKF, Mayor of Busan, Mayor of Chang-won city, and a South Korean Army General.
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NZ First Aid level 4
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Certificate in Tertiary level Teaching.
Master
Jeff Pardey
Master Jeff Pardey (affectionately known as Uncle Jeffy) is a 4th Dan Black Belt and senior Instructor at NPTHC.
Master Jeff has over 55 years of martial art expertise under his belt.
He was actually the second Instructor of NPTHC, taking over from Great Grandmaster Lee Jung Nam in the mid-80s until his departure from Taekwondo in 1993.
In 2018, Master Jeff started training in Taekwondo again and has achieved his 4th Dan Black belt despite being in his late 60s. Due to his health and other commitments, Master Jeff only attends one training session a week.
Master Jeff's qualifications include the following:
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4th Dan Black-belt NZTF
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2nd Dan Black-belt Kukkiwon Taekwondo
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6th Dan Dan Black-belt & Kancho (founder of the style) Ken ashi do Korean Karate
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Coloured belts in Judo and Sushikai Karate
Instructor
Stephanie Michel
Stephanie feels extremely passionate about empowering woman, but is also one of the most hard working members of NPTHC both in the Dojang and out.
She has ran multiple woman's self-defense courses and is very proficient at both self-defense and patterns.
GMD has appointed Stephanie the NPTHC Poomsae (Pattern) coach.
Stephanie's Qualifications include:
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Black-belt in Taekwondo
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Black-belt in Hapkido
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Black-belt in Jiu Jitsu
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NZTF qualified Instructor
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Sport NZ level 1 Coach
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NZ Red Cross level 4