George (Geordie) McTaggart

Geordie McTaggart, a 5th Degree Black Belt with the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), is a highly accomplished Martial Arts Instructor and Personal Trainer. He embarked on his martial arts journey at the age of 6, driven by his fascination with Bruce Lee movies. With a father who had a background in professional wrestling and various martial arts, Geordie's early training encompassed disciplines like Wrestling, Judo, and Karate.

In 1988, Geordie and his younger brother Duncan ventured into Rhee Tae Kwon-Do together, marking the beginning of Geordie's dedicated pursuit as a martial artist. After four years of arduous training, Geordie earned his first Black Belt, igniting his passion as a serious practitioner. In 2005, Geordie established his own martial arts school called "Denrai Freestyle Tae Kwon-Do," which blends elements of Tae Kwon-Do with other arts he has mastered.

Alongside his nearly 15-year career in security for the Department of Defence, Geordie initially conducted private one-on-one lessons in his garage. However, as demand grew and time permitted, he expanded his offerings to include classes in October 2013. Geordie's business has since flourished, evolving into an international school with branches across Australia and New Zealand, overseen by his brother Duncan. Furthermore, since 2011, Geordie has been working as a personal trainer, assisting individuals in achieving their fitness goals.

Throughout his remarkable 44-year martial arts journey, Geordie has extensively studied and attained rankings in various disciplines. These include Karate, Tai Chi, Ninjitsu, Krav Maga, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Goju Kalis, Kenpo 5.0, and even Fight Choreography for Movies. Geordie has had the privilege of training alongside esteemed martial arts figures such as Grand Master Chong Chul Rhee, Chief Instructor John Ragonessi, Grand Master Cynthia Rothrock, Guro Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee's most senior student), Simo Cookie Vassiliou, Guro Joel Clarke, Sifu Francis Fong, Master Jean-Jacques Machado, Hanshi Tino Ceberano, Master Richard Norton, Master Jeff Speakman, Master Michael Muleta, Sensei Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Mohammed "Tong-Po" Qissi among many others.

Geordie's exceptional skills and dedication have garnered him numerous accolades and honors. He is a multiple world champion and gold medalist in Tae Kwon-Do, excelling in events like Self Defense, Power and Special Technique Breaking, Single and Team Patterns, Weaponry, and Model Sparring. Geordie's contributions to Tae Kwon-Do led to his induction into the "2019 ITF Pioneer Awards" for Excellence, the "2020 General Choi Hong Hi Hall of Honours" for Outstanding International Instructor, and the Action Martial Arts Magazine "World Award." He was also honored in the "2022 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honours" and the "International Martial Arts Hall of Fame" in 2022 and 2023, respectively, receiving accolades such as "Best Master of the Year Tae Kwon-Do" and "Golden Lifetime Achievement" for his 40+ years of dedication to the martial arts. Additionally, Geordie serves as the Australian Representative and Director of the Action Martial Arts Mega Weekend.

Geordie eagerly looks forward to continuing his training and teaching of Freestyle Tae Kwon-Do,