HOSTED by international Taekwondo master Faye Shacklock, this Saturday’s invitational championship will boast the largest number of competitors from across the state since it first began nine years ago.
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Sixty local students from Faye’s Forster Taekwondo Academy, which runs in both Forster and Pacific Palms, will compete in a field of over 130 competitors from Taekwondo schools across Sydney, Singleton, Maitland, and the Central Coast. Nine years ago, there were 15 locals.
Forster’s academy is increasingly well regarded by national and state authorities.
- Faye Shacklock
“I now run two mats, instead of one. There will be 35 fighters and 25 doing pattern breaking from the school. Clubs are hand selected at a high standard,” she said proudly.
Proving that Taekwondo can offer something for everyone, Faye’s youngest competitor this year is four, and her oldest student, though not competing, is 92. Her classes have 78 years old breaking boards.
“Taekwondo teaches focus, and discipline,” she said.
Faye attributes the increased number of participants to an increase in the confidence of her students, many of whom have now been learning the martial art form for several years.
“They are doing really well with competing, and discovering they like doing it.”
Faye believes competing at a high level is an excellent way to develop skills. Two time Olympic referee Sam Loiacano and guest judge Jacko Ta’ala, a former head of the New Zealand karate team now training their elite special forces, will be amongst 12 officials including international champion Justin Patterson.
Competitors can enter up to four events, from fighting, breaking, self defence, and patterns. There will also be a weapons display.
Faye said her students ‘do it all’, and with ten blackbelts and several champions now counted amongst their ranks, she is anticipating a strong showing. Serious training preparation has been underway for the last four months.
“Forster’s academy is increasingly well regarded by national and state authorities,” she said.
The State Development Invitational will be held at Great Lakes College Forster Campus on Saturday from 8.30am. Spectators are welcome for a gold coin donation, which goes towards the running of the competition and equipment.