More Than 50 Years of Traditional Taekwondo in Brisbane
Pacific International Taekwondo’s story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the traditional art of Taekwondo.
What began with a flyer on a UK street in 1972 has become a legacy spanning over 50 years. Trevor and Margaret Dick’s journey – from curious beginners to respected Grandmaster and Master Instructor – demonstrates the transformative power of dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Today, that same passion continues to inspire new generations of students to discover the life-changing benefits of traditional Taekwondo training.
The story of Pacific International Taekwondo isn’t just our history—it’s the foundation for your future journey.
This page is a very condensed overview of the history of Pacific International Taekwondo. Readers interested in a more in depth recollection are referred to Master Instructor Margaret Dick’s book “My Taekwondo Story: 50 Years of Taekwondo Training“.
Master Instructor Margaret Dicks
The Beginning: A Fateful Discovery
In 1972, while on a working holiday in the United Kingdom, Trevor and Margaret Dicks stumbled upon something that would change their lives forever. A simple flyer advertising Taekwondo classes caught their attention—an art form completely unfamiliar to them at the time.
Curious, they climbed the stairs to observe a class in progress. What they witnessed captivated them immediately: the energy, discipline, and raw power of the students training under the guidance of First Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha left an indelible impression. Without hesitation, they signed up on the spot.
The training was rigorous and demanding. Margaret recalls the presence Grandmaster Rhee commanded—his power seemed to fill the entire room. Every technique was delivered with such force that students had no choice but to develop speed, agility, and precision to avoid strikes. It was challenging, exhilarating, and exactly what ignited their lifelong passion for the martial arts.
World Masters and a New Direction
By 1976, Taekwondo had evolved from a hobby into something much deeper for Trevor and Margaret. After returning to Australia, they enrolled at Rhee Taekwondo in Sydney under the direction of Master Rhee Chong Chul, continuing their training with renewed focus.
That same year, they attended a Taekwondo World Masters Demonstration at Kelvin Hall—an event that proved to be a turning point. The demonstration showcased the highest levels of skill, discipline, and artistry in Taekwondo.
Inspired and determined, Trevor and Margaret made a life-changing decision: they would dedicate themselves fully to the art and share it with others.
Opening Brisbane’s First School
With more enthusiasm than budget, Trevor and Margaret packed their belongings and headed north to Brisbane. Master Rhee Chong Chul had invited them to open the Queensland headquarters of Rhee Taekwondo, and they accepted without hesitation.
In July 1976, they opened their first school in an abandoned YWCA hostel on Adelaide Street in Brisbane’s CBD. The building was thick with grime and dust, but its layout was perfect—numerous rooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and a huge recreational hall. For the next several years, it served as both their training facility and their home.
During the day, they worked odd jobs to pay the lease. At night, they renovated the space and prepared for classes. Initially, student numbers were modest—a slow trickle rather than a flood.
Rapid Expansion Across Queensland
Throughout the 1980s, Taekwondo gained tremendous popularity in Brisbane and surrounding areas as Rhee Taekwondo Queensland grew under Trevor and Margaret’s leadership. What started as a single school in Adelaide Street became a thriving network of branches across the state.
The growth was organic rather than planned. As students achieved their black belts, many wanted to take the next step – opening their own branches and becoming instructors. This wasn’t just about teaching; it gave them a new sense of purpose, boosted their self-esteem, and made them part of a special community of instructors.
The school’s presence grew beyond just classes. There were public demonstrations in shopping centres, weekend training camps at Tallebudgera National Fitness Camp and the Sunshine Coast, participation in the Warana Festival Parade through Brisbane’s streets, and even involvement in the Brisbane World Expo of 1988.
Training with the Masters
Throughout their journey, Trevor and Margaret sought out the world’s finest instructors to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills. They trained under legendary masters including:
- Master Rhee Chong Chul (9th Dan)
- Grand Master Rhee Chong Yoon (9th Dan), elder brother of Master Chong Chul Rhee
- Grand Master Suk Jun Kim (New York)
- Grand Master Han Min Kyo (Chicago)
This commitment to continuous learning from the highest authorities in Taekwondo ensured that their teaching remained rooted in authentic, traditional methods while adapting thoughtfully to the needs of modern students.
Independence and a New Vision (1997)
As the years passed, the landscape of Taekwondo evolved. By the 1990s, the art had become an Olympic sport, with increasing emphasis on competition and point-scoring techniques. While this brought Taekwondo to a wider audience, Trevor and Margaret felt the traditional values and personal development aspects of the art were being overshadowed.
In 1997, after more than two decades of teaching, they made the decision to form their own independent school—Pacific International Taekwondo. This new direction allowed them to return to what they believed mattered most: traditional self-defense, personal growth, and the development of character through disciplined training.
Pacific International Taekwondo focused less on competitive achievements and more on helping each student become a better version of themselves. The emphasis was on building confidence, discipline, respect, and practical self-defense skills—values that extend far beyond the training hall.
Building a Legacy Through Instructors
From the beginning, Trevor and Margaret understood that the school’s success would depend on more than just their own teaching. They were committed to developing the next generation of instructors who shared their passion and values.
Over the decades, they’ve guided countless students from white belt beginners through to 1st Dan Black Belts and beyond. Many of these black belts have gone on to become instructors themselves, opening new branches across Brisbane and continuing the tradition of quality instruction and genuine care for students.
Even today, Grandmaster Trevor Dicks and Master Instructor Margaret Dicks remain actively involved in training new instructors and assistants, ensuring that every person teaching under the Pacific International Taekwondo name upholds the same standards of excellence and integrity that defined their journey from the very beginning.
Today: Australia’s Longest Serving Taekwondo Practitioners
Grandmaster Trevor Dicks and Master Instructor Margaret Dicks are recognized as two of Australia’s longest-serving and most respected traditional Taekwondo practitioners. Their reputation isn’t built on titles or accolades alone—it’s earned through decades of sincere, dedicated teaching and a genuine down-to-earth approach that puts students first.
In 2020, Grandmaster Trevor was awarded 9th Dan and inducted into the 2020 General Choi Hong Hi Hall of Honours for Outstanding Grandmaster, and Master Instructor Margaret was recognized and inducted for Outstanding Master.
With multiple locations across Brisbane, Pacific International Taekwondo continues to welcome students of all ages and abilities. The school remains true to its founding principles: traditional techniques, personal development, and a supportive community where everyone is encouraged to challenge themselves and discover what they’re truly capable of.
Whether you’re six years old or sixty, Pacific International Taekwondo offers the same quality instruction, the same emphasis on character development, and the same welcoming environment that has defined the school for nearly five decades.
