Rhee Taekwon-Do Tablelands Region
Led by 7th Dan, Regional Master Instructor and Chief Grading Examiner, Gennaro Arena, Rhee Taekwondo Tablelands Region features two thriving centres. One based in the Tablelands largest town, Mareeba and the other in Queensland's highest town, Ravenshoe.
Tablelands centres offer lessons to suit all ages and fitness levels from school aged and higher.
Gennaro Arena
7th Dan Regional Master Instructor and Chief Grading Examiner Tablelands Region.
7th Degree Regional Master Instructor Gennaro Arena Tablelands
I began my journey with Rhee Tae Kwon do in the mid 70’s. It has been a journey that I have never looked back. Master Chong Chul Rhee my Master and Mentor not only taught me the art of RTKD but respect, resilience and disciple of the mind.
When I began my journey with RTKD my goal was to become a black belt. I never imagined I would achieve 7th Degree Regional Master Instructor for Tablelands.
Over five decades I have taught 1000’s of students. My biggest accolade is when one of my students achieves their black belt. It makes me proud that I was able to teach them so much of what was taught to me.
RTKD has always been about family and respecting the laws of the country. Happiness in life depends on development of sound mind and strong body. I believe RTKD has taught me all these aspects. I am really honoured and proud when parents come up to me and thank me for what I have taught their children. My children have followed my footsteps and have achieved Their black belts. Now my grandchildren are learning the art which makes me very proud. I have made lasting friendships over the years.
We welcome all beginners to come join the art of RTKD. Families welcome.
Jacob Gigliotti
4th Dan Regional Instructor Tablelands
Regional Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim) Jacob Gigliotti's love for martial arts began when he was only a young boy and he did a little bit of Karate with his father. When he turned 16 he was fascinated by the dynamic flying kicks and joined Rhee Taekwon-Do. He was promoted to first Dan Black Belt by World Master Chong Chul Rhee in Mareeba at the age of 18 and then to Townsville to attend university.
An opportunity arose for the young black belt to teach classes at the JCU sports centre and his dedication quickly led to his classes being so big the students couldn't fit in the hall.
Upon moving to Weipa, he opened a centre in Weipa and before he knew it there were 100 members training at his centre. Jacob was promoted to Regional Instructor and would travel to Cairns frequently to attend personal training sessions with Master Rhee as he continued to develop his expertise in the technical aspects of Rhee Taekwon-Do.
In 2018, KJN Jacob moved back to his hometown, Ravenshoe, where he supports Regional Master Instructor Gennaro Arena in teaching and coordinating Rhee Taekwon-Do across the Tablelands.
