More than 130 taekwondo competitors across a variety of weight classes and belts took to the Great Lakes College, Tuncurry campus multipurpose hall on May 27 for the annual State Development Championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The championships brought together competitors from a novice to national level across such events as sparring, wood breaking, self defence and poomsae (a series of offence and defence techniques).
Participants ranged from yellow to black belt, with some as young as five years old.
Competitors from across the region and the State were joined by a group from New Zealand, headed by Master Kesi O’Neill, setting up a series of interesting international match ups.
A plethora of top coaches and referees from across Australia were used for the championships.
Australian Taekwondo ambassador Fay Shacklock said the draw of the event is that participants of all ages and skill levels can compete.
She added that all competitors maintained the utmost respect for their opponents, showing the “true spirit of competition”.
Up to seven families have indicated they intend to return to the area for the event, adding to the likelihood that it would be run again next year.
