2013 Nationals Review

On Saturday 3^rd August 2013, competitors from all over Australia gathered to compete in the 2013 ITF Taekwon-do Australia National Championships at the Parramatta Town Hall in Sydney, NSW

It was pleasing to see lots of junior competitors at the tournament and the level of sparring from Master Dahers young students at his Parramatta club was impressive. Discussing this with Master Daher during the tournament, he emphasised the key factor to such an improvement in their abilities was the hard work that has been put into improving their flexibility, and it shone through in the sparring. The kids were able to execute good technique and showed great determination and confidence on the floor. This group of students will provide some great competitors to represent IL Shim and ITF Taekwon-do Australia at all levels of competition in the years ahead.

The trophy for Best Competitor overall went to Trent Hayden, winning Gold in Sparring, Patterns, and Special Technique, while the award for indomitable Spirit went to Alexander (last name), probably the smallest student sparring on the day, but showed great heart and kept smiling even though he was up against much larger competition and the odds of winning stacked against him, he never gave up.

Charitra Parkinson from South Perth showed great technique in the patterns performing with a level of skill normally seen in students much older than her current age, she is definitely someone to watch out for in the future

ITF Australia was pleased to host Christine Hagatun from the Norway World Champs Team who is currently training with Mr Gerard Kelly on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, She highlighted the level of competition that is required to compete in the World Championships in Spain this coming October.

Once again the organising skills of Nathan Tyson, Ken Harris, Tanya Ross and John Abdallah with the assistance of many others made this tournament a success on the day.