ACE Academy

Taekwon-Do

Meet the instructors

Ava

sheehan

Ava Sheehan began her ITF Taekwon-Do journey in 2016 at just 10 years old, starting alongside a group of friends. What began as something fun to do with friends quickly became a passion that has continued to grow over the years. In 2021, at 15 years old, Ava achieved her 1st Degree Black Belt, marking an important milestone in her Taekwon-Do journey.

In 2023, Ava was selected to represent New Zealand as a member of the ITF Taekwon-Do NZ Team at the World Championships in Finland. It was a successful tournament, where she earned Bronze in Junior Female 1st Degree Individual Patterns, Gold in Junior Female Team Power, and Bronze in Junior Female Team Patterns. In 2024, Ava continued her progression by grading to 2nd Degree Black Belt.

Ava was selected for the NZ Team again in 2025, where she competed across the team events and helped secure Gold in Female Team Power. Throughout her competitive journey, Ava has competed internationally in both individual and team events, including Patterns and Power. These experiences have given her a strong understanding of the commitment, discipline and perseverance required to perform at a high level.

Ava has been coaching ITF Taekwon-Do for over a decade, working with students from Mini Kids through to adults. She has a passion for helping students develop their skills, build confidence and discover what they are capable of, while making sure training remains enjoyable and rewarding. Ava is also a BOXFIT Instructor, bringing additional experience in fitness and conditioning to her coaching.

Ava believes you will never regret starting Taekwon-Do. It is fun, challenging and there is truly something in it for everyone. While Taekwon-Do requires discipline, commitment and perseverance, the rewards are well worth it — helping you become fitter, stronger and more confident while being part of a supportive, family-oriented club. At ACE Academy, students can enjoy the social and fun side of Taekwon-Do while also having the opportunity to set goals, compete and achieve at the highest level.

Lachlan

Ellis

Lachlan Ellis is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-Do, with over a decade of training and competition experience. His Taekwon-Do journey began at just 10 years old, when he started training alongside his family. He earned his first-degree black belt at 15 in 2016, and it was not long before his dedication and commitment to the art saw him selected to represent New Zealand as part of the ITF NZ Taekwon-Do Team.

Since then, Lachlan has had the privilege of representing New Zealand on three occasions, competing internationally in Ireland, Finland and Croatia. As part of the NZ Team, Lachlan has competed across all four team events — Team Power, Team Specialty, Team Sparring and Team Patterns. Individually, he has competed in both Patterns and Sparring, developing a broad range of competitive experience at an international level.

In 2024, Lachlan achieved his first international individual medal, winning Bronze in Senior Male Individual Patterns at the World Cup in Argentina. In 2025, he added another international achievement to his record, winning Bronze as part of the Senior Male Team Patterns team at the ITF World Championships in Croatia. That same year, Lachlan graded to 2nd Degree Black Belt, passing his grading with Distinction.

Lachlan also has a background in kickboxing and has competed in kickboxing fights. This experience has given him valuable time in the ring and further developed his confidence, skills and understanding of combat sports.

For Lachlan, one of the most rewarding things about ITF Taekwon-Do is seeing the positive impact it can have on young people. He believes it is an incredible activity for children and families, providing a structured environment where students can build confidence, discipline, resilience and valuable self-defence skills. He also loves seeing students experience the satisfaction that comes from setting goals, working hard and watching their own progress over time. Whether a student wants to develop practical self-defence skills, build confidence, work towards their next belt or eventually explore the competitive side of Taekwon-Do, Lachlan believes there is something in the art for everyone.