Master Instructor Michael Harper, founder of Genesis Taekwondo, is one of the few masters in the world who has trained directly under one of the original masters. The style taught at Genesis Taekwondo has been used to instruct the Korean ‘Demon Hunter’ Marines, the Australian Police Force Academies, Air Force bases, students at universities and colleges and members of the public.

The special unarmed combat methods taught within Genesis Taekwondo are the same as those used by the Marine Commandos, the elite Commandoes’ underwater demolition team, Marine Brigade Headquarters and Marine 2nd Infantry Divisions. Practitioners of this art have earned a reputation as the world’s most feared and courageous troops. Historically, they were easily recognised on the battle fields and were the most disciplined, daring and highly efficient elite of the armed forces.

Master Michael Harper taught martial arts throughout Australia from the 1980s until his master’s death 40 years later. Shortly before his master’s death, Master Michael Harper was told he would soon face his own master test. Within this test, he was told he must protect his classes and not allow any intruders to destroy the legacy he had worked so hard to preserve. Through great sacrifice, Master Michael Harper rebuilt the great school of Genesis Taekwondo and continued the legacy of his master.

This original master also faced this test after the second world war brought about the division of Korea. Before the war, he taught under his own master – a powerful general who was the original creator and master of Taekwondo in Korea. Unwilling to support the general’s defection, nor the westernisation of his art, he created his own school. This school moved throughout southeast Asia and left behind many thousands of schools all owing their success to the master.