Important Board Announcement Regarding Youth Olympic Games

Taekwondo Australia (TA) has today agreed, at the invitation of Mr John Coates, the President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), to participate in a further mediation with Sports Taekwondo Australia (STA) at the suggestion of the President of the International Olympic Committee, President Jacques Rogge. In the event that that mediation fails the matter is then to be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for final resolution. It is on this basis that TA has agreed to participate in the further mediation subject to the proviso that in the event of there being no resolution that CAS will ultimately determine the dispute between TA, AOC, STA and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

Whilst it is the practice of the TA Board to resist the temptation to respond to the numerous announcements made on the STA website, we feel constrained to formally state our position with respect to the eligibility of athletes to attend and represent Australia at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Tijuana, Mexico. The latest announcement from STA purports to state that it is STA, with the imprimatur of WTF alone that can select athletes to compete for Australia in the YOG in Tijuana. That is a fundamentally misconceived and wrong position. It does STA no credit to continue to broadcast such statements.

The fact is that this is an Olympic event. It is the AOC, and the AOC alone, that determines whether Australia is represented at the YOG. As STA and unfortunately the WTF refuse to accept the decision of the AOC which is that TA, and TA alone, select the players for the YOG event in Tijuana then it is probable that Australia will not be represented at the YOG.

Whilst that will cause great grief to many of us TA fully understands and accepts the basis for the position put by the AOC. TA remains entirely supportive of the position being put by the AOC in this regard. It is the AOC that must control selection for Olympic events and until that fact is accepted and acknowledged by STA and WTF there is the real prospect that our athletes will not be representing Australia at Olympic events.

It is for this reason that your Board has unanimously resolved to accept the invitation from President Rogge and participate in the further mediation and if that fails to have the matter referred for final determination to CAS. TA remains completely committed to making Taekwondo the best sport it can be and to provide pathways for our young athletes to compete on the world stage in both Olympic and WTF sanctioned events.

STA need only withdraw from this process and acknowledge that the team for YOG is to be that as selected by TA with input from AOC to enable Australia’s participation in the YOG to be assured. As we do not expect that to occur you may rest assured that we will use our best endeavours to facilitate the process as suggested by President Rogge to hopefully enable there to be a solution to this ongoing dispute so as to enable our young athletes better opportunities to perform at the highest level.

Australian Olympic Committee Confirms TA's Nominations for Olympic Games

The Australian Olympic Committe (AOC) has confirmed their position that the nomination of athletes for the Youth Olympic Games, including the London 2012 Olympic Games, will only be accepted from Taekwondo Australia (TA) and that TA remains the recognised member of the AOC, subject to international affiliation.

Accordingly the only selection process recognised by TA is in accordance with the process published for the Youth Olympic Games Selection Event on 6 December 2009.

Message From The CEO To Members

Taekwondo Australia (TA) has received a response from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding Australian recognition issues. The Board feels compelled to put the full wording of the letter from the IOC to TA and not the abridged and misleading report placed today on the Sports Taekwondo Australia (STA) website. The STA announcement neglected to state that the IOC was leaving this issue in the hands of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Read the full letter here.

AOC contacts have assured TA that the matter is being addressed and they will be in further contact with TA shortly. TA will continue to work with the AOC to address the needs and interests of the Australian Taekwondo community. We will issue additional advice on the situation as soon as more information is at hand.

 

The WTF President Acts Contrary To Its Own Rules And Regulations

Taekwondo Australia (TA) has been informed by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has determined to admit Sports Taekwondo Australia (STA) as a member of the WTF and blatantly ignore the recommendation from the AOC that TA should be admitted as the National Member Association (NMA) for Australia. This is in clear breach of the WTF's own Rule and Regulations which state that any application for membership MUST have a letter of recognition from the respective country's Olympic Committee, in Australia's case the AOC. TA is THE ONLY ORGANISATION to be accorded this privilege in Australia, and NOT STA.

TA is also aware that contrary to information provided, that the WTF Council unanimously resolved to approve STA's admittance, the decision was in fact enacted as an 'administrative decision' of the the WTF President, Dr Choue. This is also in clear breach of the WTF's own constitution which requires such decisions to be made by the General Assembly and Council of the WTF.

TA is also concerned that Mr Phil Coles as member of the AOC, IOC, vice-president of the WTF and president of the Oceania Taekwondo Union (OTU), and a former member of the STA Board, has acted contrary to the decision of the AOC and in fact has been extremely negative towards TA in the WTF meetings.

The conduct of the WTF and STA has caused enormous damage to the sport of Taekwondo in Australia and in particular to the thousands of young athletes who keep alive the Olympic ideal of representing their country.

TA and its membership WILL NOT bow to these improper decisions nor will we be bullied by the WTF President into what he has demanded, a merger between TA and STA.

TA has therefore decided to officially complain about the WTF's conduct. This is not a decision that TA has taken lightly, but in order to ensure natural justice and that established rules and regulations are adhered to, we are left with no other option but to bring it to the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the sake of Australia's Taekwondo athletes.

To download a copy of the letter to the IOC, click HERE.

Notice To Members

Taekwondo Australia (TA) has been in regular contact with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Selection Event this weekend and confirm that neither TA nor the AOC have received any communication as yet from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) regarding a decision of the WTF Council following its meeting of 29 November 2009 in Cairo.  Any claims regarding a resolution on membership of a National Federation for Australia are therefore premature and unsubstantiated and should be disregarded.  When the WTF provides confirmation of meeting outcomes TA will post further information.

We note that the WTF Constitution states that full membership of the WTF can only be granted to an organisation that holds a letter of recognition from the pertinent National Olympic Committee.  TA continues to be recognised as a member of the AOC, subject to WTF affiliation, and the AOC have confirmed that TA is the only organisation that will receive their recognition and membership in regards to Taekwondo.

International membership aside, there is also no other Taekwondo organisation within Australia that is able to fulfil the recognition requirements with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) for the status of National Sporting Organisation (NSO).

 

Notice Regarding Youth Olympic Selections

Taekwondo Australia (TA) would once again like to stress that there is only one body recognised in Australia to hold the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) qualifying selection event, and that body is TA, which the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has made very clear to all the relevant national and international sporting organisations. This has also been communicated by the AOC to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), which by its own rule in Article 4.5 states:

“The WTF shall approve only one association for each nation or each self-governing territory, on the condition that the pertinent International Olympic Committee accepted National Olympic Committee or, in its absence, its highest national sports authority, has recognized the association”. Clearly TA is the only Taekwondo association in Australia to have this recognition and we await the WTF’s affirmation.
 
In the meantime, TA is well aware that alternate information is being communicated to the general Taekwondo community in regards to the YOG selection process which is clearly inconsistent with the AOC’s determination and the WTF’s own ruling. TA stresses that we are not in the business of arguing these matters in a public forum, but rather we are here to help facilitate the aspirations of the Australian Taekwondo youth community.
 
Athletes, coaches and parents can be assured that the event, with the backing of the Australian Olympic Committee, will proceed as advertised and it is up to individuals to make their own decisions regarding entry for the event and the possible chance to represent Australia in Mexico in March 2010.

Special Notice Regarding President of Taekwondo Austraila

The Board of Taekwondo Australia regretfully announces that due to personal reasons Mr Chong Won Lee has resigned as President. The Board expresses the gratitude of members for the significant contribution that Mr Lee has made to the Association during his tenure and is pleased that Mr Lee has indicated that he would like to continue to assist Taekwondo Australia in a supporting international relationship role where his achievements to date have been outstaning.

In reviewing the Constitution and Corporations Law in regard the unique role of President, the Board believes that the creation of a By-Law was appropriate in order to ensure that the process for the appointment of an interim and ongoing President in these circumstances were clarified.  As a result a By-Law has been adopted to deal with this matter and a notice has been sent to States and Territories in this regard.

In accordance with the Constitution and new By-Law, the Board has appointed Mr Hassan Iskandar as President of the company on an interim basis. Mr Iskandar will also fill the current role of Board Chairman.

WTF World Qualification Tournament for 2010 Youth Olympic Games Selection Trials

Taekwondo Australia Limited is pleased to invite all athletes and coaches to participate in the Team Selection Trials at Aqualink Box Hill, Surry Drive Box Hill Victoria on 6 Dec 2009. This is a sparring competition for athletes wishing to qualify for the Australian Team to contest the WTF World Qualification Tournament for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Tijuana, Mexico on March 3 – 4, 2010.

Entries will be conducted on-line between 16-30 November 2009. To enter please click HERE.

Development Squad Members Invited to 2009 French Open

The National Sports Committee (NSC) is pleased to confirm substantial interest for the 2009 French Open and for this reason we can confirm that TA will be sending a Development Squad to the event. As you may be aware the French Open was targeted as a strategic event for those members who placed 1st, 2nd, and in some cases 3rd (if deemed internationally capable) at the 2009 Taekwondo National Championships.

The NSC wishes to advise athletes and coaches that consideration will still be given to those who have yet to submit the appropriate paper work and the NSC also invites the recent World Championships Team and any other athlete who in the recent past has represented Australia but could not attend the National Championships.

Approval may be given to athletes and coaches to attend the Development Squad but however this does not mean funding will be forthcoming. TA would like its members to understand that in the current financial and political climate funding is particularly hard to come by. However we understand that avenues for high performance improvement must still be offered even if it is at the member's expense. TA has successfully establish highly desirable international networks that will bring the best value for money experience for all our members.

The French open will be held on the weekend of 5th and 6th of December 2009. Address Stade Pierre de coubertin 82 avenue georges lafont Paris 16eme

The competition will contest the following Olympic Weight divisions:

Male
58kg and under
58kg -68kg
68kg - 80kg
80kg and over

Female
49kg and Under
49kg - 57kg
57kg - 67kg
67kg and over

For more information please contact our International Events Manager, Gordon Twadell at gordonregina@optusnet.com.au or telephone 03 9703 0788.

On receipt of your confirmation of interest Gordon will send all relevant information. It is important that members make their decision on attendance promptly as unfortunately we are short on time.

Youth Olympic Games Qualification Selection Competition for Australian Team

Taekwondo Australia confirms that the selection competition for the Australian representative team for the WTF World Qualification Tournament for Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is to be held at Aqualink Box Hill, Surrey Drive Boxhill Victoria on Sunday 6th December 2009. Athletes born between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1994 (16 - 17 year old in 2010) will be able to contest the event.

The event will contest the five Male and Female Youth Weight Divisions (as per information below), however only three Male and Female divisions will be selected to contest the YOG Qualification competition in Mexico. The successful male and female athletes will be determined after the competition and will be selected in accordance with the national selection criteria. The Selection Criteria and competition package will be available shortly to assist coaches and athletes with planning.  

Men's Divisions:
Under 48 kg
48 kg - 55 kg
55 kg - 63 kg
63 kg - 73 kg
Over 73 kg 

Women's Divisions:
Under 44 kg
44 kg - 49 kg
49 kg - 55 kg
55 kg - 63 kg
Over 63 kg

Athletes will have to place in the top six in their division to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Australia has a maximum allocation of one male and one female contestant for the Taekwondo event. This means more athletes could qualify than we have an allocation for. For this reason an Australian Olympic Committee/TA Selection Policy will be used to determine which athletes will fill the final positions.

Athletes can contest both the Youth Olympic Games selection competition in Melbourne and the World Junior Championships competition in Perth. However even if an athlete wins a selection in both competitions, the likely hood of being able to represent Australia at both international events may be almost impossible due to there being only 3 days between events. See competition dates below.

The WTF World Qualification Tournament for Youth Olympic Games will be held in Tijuana, Mexico on March 3 - 4, 2010.
The World Junior Championships will be held in Tijuana, Mexico on March 6 - 9, 2010

Singapore will be hosting the 2010 Youth Olympic Games August 14-16, 2010. The event is expected to attract 3,600 athletes and 800 officials from 205 National Olympic Committees, along with an estimated 800 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers and more than 500,000 spectators. Young athletes between 14 and 18 years of age will compete in 26 sports and take part in Culture and Education Programs.

2009 WTF World Championship Results

The 2009 Taekwondo World Chmapionships contested in Denmark drew a field of over 1,000 athletes from 143 countries. For comprehensive information on the championship results including rankings click here. For competition photos click here.

2009 Australian Taekwondo Open and National Championship Results

Results for the Technical Section of the Australian Open and National Championships have been published. Click here to download the results.

Taekwondo Australia also wishes to advise that a large amount of lost property found at the venue is being held by the Queensland office. Enquires in regard to lost property must be directed to the Queensland Office on 07 3325 0921 by Friday 30 October 2009, after this date items will either be given away or destroyed.

Australian Olympic Committee Readmits Taekwondo Australia

The attached letter confirms that the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has readmitted Taekwondo Australia (TA) as a member confirming that we are the National Federation for Taekwondo in Australia. This is subject to the return of TA's affiliation with the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). We await the advice from the WTF in due course.

TA is sending senior Board Members to the WTF General Assembly in Copenhagen on 13 October 2009 to present our case for readmittance to the WTF. We fully expect that to be positively dealt with before the actual General Assembly. The process we embarked upon some 10 months ago has borne the fruits we have all been working towards. TA will continue to finalise this process and do everything possible to be hard working and effective members of the AOC, the WTF and the Australian sporting community.

World Championships Preparation Camp Hailed A Success

Athletes, coaches and referees from across Australia have hailed the World Championships Camp, to prepare our athletes and coaches for the World Championships to be held in Copenhagen from 13 October 2009, an outstanding success. The Camp was designed to familiarise our players and coaches for with the new WTF Rules and also the electronic hogus. Taekwondo Australia has invested in a full set of the WTF sanctioned LaJust electronic hogus to ensure that our athletes across all weight divisions have access to world class training equipment and programs. Athletes attending the Camp have commented that one of the most constructive aspects of the weekend were the match plays which were conducted under the new rules with the electronic hogus.

Taekwondo Australia wishes all its athletes and coaches on the Australian Team all the best for the World Championships and we look forward to the Team's success.

World Championships Preparation Camp - Copenhagen October 2009

All athletes, coaches and associated staff in relation to these World Championships have been invited to a camp to be held in Melbourne on Sunday 27 September 2009. Taekwondo Australia will fully fund the camp including flights and accommodation. The Camp is being run to ensure all athletes have the best opportunity to practice training under the new rules and with the same electronic scoring system that will be used at the world championships event.

The camp will consist of:

• Explanation of the new rules and their implications on match play
• Explanation of the electronic system, how it works, and the most appropriate ways to score and avoid being scored on
• Match simulation under the above new conditions
• Individual player reviews will be provided including medical assessment if required.

Doctors will also be on hand to treat any injuries sustained during training and remedial massage will be available during and after the event.

Taekwondo Australia once again takes the opportunity to wish the team all the best in their preparation and of course for the event it self.

Recent actions by WTF and AOC

In response to an enquiry from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) regarding the electronic input of entries for the World Championships (resulting from the athlete funding sourced by the AOC) the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) advised on 21 August that they had "decided to continue the interim arrangement and give a provisional membership to STA until the end of October 2009 . . . (with the WTF going on to say that they) sincerely hope that the conflict will be resolved quickly under the wise guidance of the AOC"

On 24 August both Taekwondo Australia (TA) and the AOC wrote to the WTF, referencing the WTF Rules and Regulations and noting the inappropriateness of this action in regard to the provisional membership. The AOC noted that they were proceeding to form an opinion regarding membership and would advise the WTF of their opinion when concluded. They also observed that "under the AOC constitution STA is not recognised as a National Federation". TA has since lodged a further Notice of Dispute in regard to this matter with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). TA is extremely confident it will have the decision of the WTF set aside as it is so clearly wrong and in breach of it's own Rules. TA has requested an urgent hearing from CAS to determine the Appeal. This is the second major Appeal against a decision of the WTF recently. The European Taekwondo Union also has a current Appeal to CAS in respect of a decision made by it that they believe was not made in accordance with the Rules.

The entire Appeal document is able to be downloaded from our website.

On a separate matter the AOC have recently noted the timing of the World Junior Taekwondo Championship selections, as scheduled by STA for 31 October in Perth. The AOC wrote to TA and STA on 10 September noting: "The AOC recommends the date and location of the selection event for the Junior World Taekwondo Championship Team be deferred until after the WTF Congress" They have noted this in the interest of the athletes and commented that the timing, so far in advance of the Feburary competition, is of concern for the athlete in their preparation process. Not having received advice from STA regarding their plans in relation to this event TA takes this opportunity to advise our members that, in light of these recommendations, should STA proceed with the scheduled event on 31 October, TA will not be supporting attendance at the event by athletes, officials or coaches. We respect that the AOC have noted that an alternative timing would be more appropriate and thank them for their concerns for the Australian junior Taekwondo athletes.

2010 National Development Squad

As part of our athlete development programme, Taekwondo Australia advises that the 2009 Australian Open and National Championships will also be the event to select athletes to join the 2010 National Development Squad (NDS). Selection to the squad will be based on Junior (under 17 years) and Senior athletes achieving either a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal in their selected Sparring or Poomsae event. The NDS is an initiative of Taekwondo Australia to prepare our athletes to contest selections for Australian Teams to compete at major international sparring and poomsae events in 2010. Further details on the NDS’ programme will be released in late October 2009.

The Real Story

STA, as is their practice, has published a letter from WTF to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on it's website that it purports advances it's claim to be recognised as the National Sports Organisation (NSO) for the sport of Taekwondo in Australia. What STA failed to do was to publish the response to the letter from the AOC to the WTF that set out the true position with regard to the ongoing dispute as to which body is to be recognised by the AOC as the NSO for this sport in Australia.

TA has now responded to the WTF. Click here to see the letter. The WTF is unable to implement the position it asserts. The WTF needs to operate in strict accordance with it's own Rules which it has ignored in their latest letter. You may rest assured that TA will not stand back and allow the WTF to act in a manner that is ultra vires to it's own Rules and against the wishes of the Australian authorities and the WTF Rules.

Taekwondo Australia Members Excel At World Championship Selections

Taekwondo Australia congratulates all our athletes who took part in the World Championship Selection event in Canberra on the weekend.  The Board will continue to work with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to secure funding opportunities for the atheltes and we offer thanks to Fiona de Jong and the AOC and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) for their support of Taekwondo and our athletes through their offered funding for the coming event.  The efforts of Fiona de Jong in stepping in to assist with funding opportunities has enabled additional athletes to take part and ensure that the team attending the coming World Championships in Copenhagen is a better representation of talented Taekwondo athletes from Australia.

We acknowledge the efforts of the atheltes who participated and in their preparation for the selections which in some cases was at very short notice.  As expected, TA athletes dominated the event and we congratulate our members listed below and wish them all success in their prepartions and participation at the World Championships:

Female Athletes

Under 46 Jasmine Branca
49-53 Bianca D'Andrillo
57-62 Carmen Marton
62-67 Chloe Iriadi
67-73 Amy Ash
73+ Ruth Rowe
 
Male Athletes

Under 54 Cameron Sutton
54-58 Gylan Al Atrouchi
58-63 Safwan Kahlil
63-68 Hayder Skara
68-74 Burak Hasan
80-87 Peter Vasili
87+ Byron Coleborne

WTF has released a Technical Guideline for the electronic body protectors to be used at the 2009 World Taekwondo Championships Copenhagen. To dowmload a copy click HERE.

ASC And AOC Agree To Fund Australian Team To World Championships

Taekwondo Australia(TA) has been working with Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) with regard to our concerns that the teams representing Australia were being chosen not by the ability of the athlete but in some cases by their ability to meet the travel and accommodation costs of travelling to events. We are all therefore delighted by the announcement today that the ASC and AOC have offered funding to the World Championships for those athletes who qualify,subject to ASC and AOC requirements, that there will be full funding for successful athletes to the Worlds!

We know that many of our members simply refused to register because they could not afford the cost. This barrier has now been removed. We have advised the AOC that senior people from TA will be in attendance and will be involved in the process. We will be there for our members and available to assist.

This is not in any way to be taken as an acceptance or acknowledgement by TA that STA can or should run these events or that we are in any way going to agree to their request that we merge. That is not going to happen.

This is an initiave of the AOC and ASC which TA respects and embraces to get our best athletes on the mat in Copenhagen. TA will continue in the meantime to secure it's position as the National Sports Oganisation for this sport in Australia but will do so in an intelligent and balanced manner to ensure our athletes are given the chance to compete and flourish in world class competition.

If you have any questions please contact our CEO, Kate Eggar on 0408 982 248 and we will assist you as best we can.

Taekwondo Australia Invited To World Youth Camp

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed that Taekwondo Australia is able to send two athletes to participate in the World Youth Camp being organised by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in Korea from 6-10 August 2009. The National Sports Committee has nominated Cem Kahraman and Nick Lepouris for the two positions as well as Mesut Kahraman as their coach.

The World Youth Camp has been initiated by the WTF as part of the solidarity program inline with the International Olympic Committee's inauguration of the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Singapore in 2010. The aim of the camp is to provide our youth athletes with a high level of Taekwondo training and education of Olympic values as well as the Taekwondo Spirit. The camp will include competition under the same weight category system as the Youth Olympic Games which will be of immense benefit to our athletes.

Taekwondo Australia thanks the AOC for affording our athletes the benefit of attending this camp.

Taekwondo Australia Members World Cup Results

We are pleased to announce that two of our members in Steve Currie won a Bronze Medal at the Azerbaijan Disabled World Championships and Sam Lioiacono was one of five referees to be awarded a 'Best Referee' commendation. We congratulate them all on their outsanding performances.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

As many of our members are aware TA has been involved in a mediation with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Sports Taekwondo Australia (STA) as to the readmitting to the AOC of TA. That process was terminated by the Mediator, Mr McHugh QC, a retired High Court Judge, on 13 May 2009 due to the inability of TA and STA to agree upon the basis upon which TA would be readmitted to the AOC. Our legal counsel put the position of TA to the Mediator that TA would not accept the proposal put by STA which essentially would have TA merge with STA and operate as a new entity.

Having established that position there was no point in progressing further the mediation. We did however agree with the AOC to enter into a new mediation with the AOC which proceeded without the presence of STA. We are very confident that the new mediation will bring about the end of the current dispute with the AOC and provide the foundations for the return of TA to not only the AOC, but will ensure fresh recognition of TA by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) as the governing body controlling the sport of Taekwondo in Australia. Thereafter we will formally be readmitted to membership of the World Taekwondo Federation which membership was only withdrawn due to the loss of recognition by the ASC and the loss of our AOC membership.

We have not broadcast much of this to our membership as we were bound by a confidentiality clause in the earlier mediation agreement which we adhered to without exception. The only reason we are publishing this information is as a consequence of the ongoing web site announcements by STA that present their version of the events that need addressing. Any sensible person regards the use of self serving web site announcements as being of no value and not to be treated seriously. A number of our members have however referred these latest STA announcements to us and we felt that you should know the correct position which is that it is TA that stands ready to fulfill the role of the National Sports Organisation for our sport and it alone has the membership numbers and support to be so acknowledged by the the AOC and ASC.

In moving forward we are in the process of arranging meetings with all states to discuss the range of changes proposed for our new constitution that will bring us into full compliance with the ASC's governance principles, which are designed to broaden the membership voting base and a federated organisational model providing the states with self governance. This will provide our members with a modern structure to reach our full potential of the sport. The Special General Meeting (SGM) notice and appropriate papers will be circulated to voting members by the end of the month with a plan to hold the SGM in Melbourne on Saturday 27 June 2009 to coincide with the TA's Strategic Planning weekend.

Vale - Shin Boo Kim

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Mr Shin Boo Kim from Western Australia. Mr Kim came to WA in the early 1970’s and was credited as one of the early pioneers who started a strong and continuous Taekwondo following in WA and he made the South West of WA his vast home base. He had achieved much in his lifelong journey, his most notable when he was awarded best poomsae international referee judge at the 2007 WTF world poomsae championships. He had produced a number of national players both in sparring and in poomsae in the Australian teams that contested the WTF world championships, himself being appointed Deputy Head Poomsae coach and Team Manager in a number of Australian national teams. Mr Kim was a gentleman and he would always have time for anybody, be they new students to experienced players or members or even his fellow colleagues in Taekwondo teaching, coaching or instructing. He was very passionate about his Taekwondo, in particular as WA’s Technical Director he was instrumental in implementing a program to promote, develop and standardise Taekwondo techniques in poomsae, a field he has no peers in WA. He set the standard in WA for poomsae and poomsae judging. Even in his advanced age, his skill levels and techniques execution were still in prime form. He was very well liked by all and had such a calm manner about him and an outlook in life that one could only respect this man who was brim full of excellent Taekwondo values, martial arts spirit and the love of Taekwondo. He was always there helping out at tournaments from club to state and national tournaments in any capacity. His lifelong partner and wife, Mrs Kim would always be by his side, and the loving pair was always seen together. His Taekwondo members will remember him and will sorely miss him, his presence and his smile and his constant checks to make sure everything was alright. The Taekwondo community in WA will miss this gentleman and his presence. Mr Kim, we salute you, .. Yes siree. May you rest in peace. Your son and your members will continue on your Taekwondo teachings and your legacy. Taekwondo Australia extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Mrs Kim, son Harry and Aleisha.

Vale - Mario Rejtano

It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of Mario Rejtano (44) who was the Head Instructor of ASP Taekwondo in Bundaberg, Queensland. Mario contributed greatly to Taekwondo in Queensland following a significant history in NSW and was friendly, approachable and always lots of fun.  He has always had a smile for everyone, even when as a coach he may have had some on-court 'concerns'.  He was passionate about his athletes and his club and about taekwondo and Taekwondo Australia.  He was an active coach, International Referee and a strong community contributor.  Bundaberg had an unusually high taekwondo profile thanks to Mario and his work with frequent media coverage of taekwondo activities and a strong network within the local education community.  Mario was a passionate family man and an asset to the community and to taekwondo and will be sadly missed.  Taekwondo Australia extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Penny and daughters Brittney, Maddison and Montanah.

Taekwondo Australia Members Make Win Selection For World Cup

We are pleased to announce that 80% of the Australian Team selected for the 2009 World Cup Championships is made up of Taekwondo Australia members. Our representative atheles are in the Female Squad: Rima Kanoun, Skye Sciberras, Chloe Iriyadi and Sunsanee McDonnell. In the Male Squad:Ali Khalil, Safwan Khalil, Burak Hasan and Chad Cross. The championships will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 10-14 June 2009. Taekwondo Australia congratulates these athletes on their success.

Taekwondo Australia Members Selected For World University Games

Taekwondo Australia is proud to announce that the following members have been selected for the Australian Team to compete at the World University Taekwondo Games to be held in Belgrade, Serbia from 1-12 July 2009.
Sparring Team: Ellen TJAHJANA, Nicole MEN, Sara GUEVARA, Hayder SHKARA, Murat DOGANAY
Poomsae Team: Kerstin OBERPRIELER  and Ross CAMPBELL

Taekwondo Australia Team Bags Medals At Belgium Challenge

Our team with very little fanfare entered the Belgium Open Challenge Cup which is a high level international tournament with some 450 contestants and held during 7 and 8 March 2009. Taekwondo Australia is proud to announce that our team will be returning with a total of 36 medals from the event and congratulates all team members on their fantastic effort.

Taekwondo Australia Member Makes Semi Finals of Australia's Got Talent TV Show

Hot on the heels of Hall's Taekwondo's finals appearance on the Australia's Got Talent television show, another of our member clubs have leapt to the opportunity to display the marvels of our martial art. Members from Ridvan Manav's Australian Martial Arts Academy formed the 'Australian Martial Arts' act to dazzle the audience and judges and make it to the semi-finals. Let's get behind them and once again help one of our members to the finals of the show. Oh .. and just in case you also want to be dazzled by their mesmerising act, just click HERE - and enjoy!

Australian Collects Team Awards At 2009 US Open

This US Open excelled with a registration of 1,741 Athletes, 461 Coaches and 55  International Referees. This was a record for the 18th Annual US Open Taekwondo Championships which also included teams from 59 nations and 13 2008 Beijing Olympians. Against this background our team won awards in the following categories:

• Team Spirit Award - Team Jalisco (Mexico)
• Best Dressed Award - Team Australia
• Largest International Team - Team Australia
• Largest US Team - Progression Team/Kings Taekwondo
  

Taekwondo Australia congratulates all Team members and its National Sports Committee for our team's overall successes.

US Open Report - Sunday 15 February 2009

Today was a good day for Poomsae. Chris Rabba got a GOLD in the seniors to go with his SILVER from the Ultras. Olivia Niehuus won a BRONZE in her Poomsae division. Unfortunately sparring did not do as well with no medal performances today. Many of the athletes fought very well against a very high caliber of opposition. The following people won two fights: Anya Vukomanovic, Peter Tilly, Brittny Penglase, Daniel Song and Hayden Shrive. The following won one fight: Nicole Men, Daniel Janyckyj, Matthew Oka, Alex Phillipos and Skye Sciberras. Everyone else lost their first fight. The team was awarded the Best Overall International Team award as well as the Best Dressed Team award. The total medal count for the trip is: 3 GOLD, 2 SILVER, and 5 BRONZE.

US Open Report - Saturday 14 February 2009

Unfortunately no medals for the Australian Team today. There were lots of exciting fights and the new La Just protectors were a major talking point as the athletes adjusts their styles to suit this new scoring methods. Jake Scanlon won three fights, loosing in the quarter final. Troy Burton had very strong opposition and lost his third fight in a very tight contest against Korea. Other people who won their first fight included: Justin Koob, Emily Armour, Tim Evans, Anya Vukomanovic, and Aralya Sali. All other athletes lost their first fight. Tomorrow is the last day and we have twenty players competing. All have made weight and are looking forward to a strong day of competition.

The fighters are: Callum Twaddell, Matthew Oka, Marcus Memmolo, Alex Phillipos, Ibrahim Nasar, Patrick Rogowski, Skye Sciberras, Taner Hickmet, Peter Tilly, Jessica Dullard, Tamer Genc, Pinar Yurdakul, Daniel Song, Nicole Men, Glenn Johnson, Ognjen Dzombic, Hayden Shrive, Daniel Janyckyj, Brittny Penglase, Anya Vukomanovic, Olivia Niehuus.

US Open Report - Friday 13 February 2009

Friday thirteenth was another good day for the Team at the US Open. Cem Kahraman won all five of his first fights and in the last it got to 0 – 0 even after extra time. Unfortunately he lost on superiority, so takes home a SILVER. Elly Greenfield was on fire and won her first three fights with a seven point gap. Her semi final was won with a golden point, and so was the final. This won her and the Team a GOLD. Nick Lepouris was unlucky as he won his first three fights, only to come up against Cem in the quarter final. Bradley Kidd won his first two fights but lost the third. Other players to win one fight included Jordie Coyle, Brodie Sciberras, Rick Karvouniaris, Thomas Auger, Enise Ayanlar. All other athletes lost their first fight.

Tomorrow's fighters include: Max Moloughney Justin Koob Aralya Sali Tim Even Christopher Beach Thomas Auger Troy Burton Rebecca Cobb Maree Jordan Anya Vukomanovic Petar Klenkoski Rachel Fassioms Hannah Fassioms Jessica Ennis Jake Scanlon Hayley Russell Aaron Bradbury Madeline Granozio Emily Armour

US Open Report - Thursday 12 February 2009

Thursday was a very successful first day for our Team at the US Open with 1 GOLD, 1 SILVER, and 4 BRONZE medals. Chris Rabba started the day off well for Australia by winning a SILVER medal in the Ultra’s poomsae division. Natasha Fantone met only Americans in her division. She won her first fight 7 – 0. Her second opponent was a stronger fighter and Natasha beat her on golden point. Her third fight was against a very tall opponent and Natasha won 1- 0 in a very tight contest. This secured her a BRONZE as she was narrowly defeated in her fourth fight. Matteo Aresca was unlucky to meet a very strong opponent in his first round. He fought hard but ultimately lost to America. Chris Rabba after doing so well in poomsae in the morning narrowly lost to a Korean 3-2 in the afternoon. Mesut Kahraman beat America 5 – 1 in his first fight and followed this up with a 4 - 1 win against a Guatamalean. In a very exciting and tight contest, he won his last fight against an American Master, winning GOLD with a 3 – 2 result. Murat Eyreuk met a strong American in his first fight and lost 4 – 0, however this still gave him a BRONZE medal. Ali Selek won his first fight 5 – 2 against another American. He then got a bye in his second round and lost his third fight 1 – 0 in a very close encounter to get the BRONZE medal. Tina Santucci had waited all day and after five hours in the warm up area won her first fight, with a stunning head kick against the Phillipines 4 - 0. Her second fight was a much closer encounter with an American, going down 1 – 2 but still securing the BRONZE medal.

Tomorrow we see the 14 –17 year old division start and we have the following players competing: Sean Falkenstein Jordie Coyle David Stern Jack Marton Brodie Sciberras Bradley Kidd Julie Dawson

Australian Team Arrives Safely In US

Having left from different departure points the Australian Team met as a whole for the first time and although most had flown in that day and were understandably tired, they were happy to meet up with their fellow team members. Registration and weigh in for the competition was a long process for many as competitors began queuing at 12 noon for a 2 pm weigh-in start. The queue was three people wide and 50 metres long. Fortunately the Australians were well looked after by USAT who pre-registered our players so our weigh-in only took one hour. For many others it took three or four times longer. All our players made their weight.

On the first night the team will have La Just give them a talk and demonstration of the electronic protectors and later a few Team members will try them out so that they can see what will score. All Team members will have a chance to try them out at training. In the competition the athletes will be wearing sensors on the body and feet. Punches and head kicks will be scored manually.

Tomorrow's competitors are: Natasha Fantone Tina Santucci Chris Rabba Mesut Kahraman Ali Selek Matteo Aresca Murat Eryurek They are all in good form and we wish them all the best for the competition and stay tuned for more information and photos!.

Victorian Taekwondo Community Needs Our Support

We have been advised by one of our Victorian affiliated clubs that regrettably one of their members died in last weekend's tragic bushfire in the Kingslake area. The Board and Members of Taekwondo Australia express their deepest sympathy to his family, friends and taekwondo colleagues and we encourage our members to generously donate through their preferred Bushfire Appeal.

The Association has also been advised that some members in the bushfire areas may have lost family homes and property, and that several clubs have lost their training halls and equipment. To assist our student members in their time of hardship the Board has approved the waiving of annual renewal membership and insurance fees and Head and Associate Instructors who have such cases are requested to contact the Administration Manager on 1300 TKD AUS.

To assist our fellow instructors who have lost training facilities and equipment, the Board is appealing to members who have any training equipment, doboks or belts (either new or secondhand) which are surplus to their needs to donate these so that our fellow instructors can commence to restablish their clubs and assist the rebuilding of their communities. If you wish to donate, or you are aware of a club which has been afflicted by these tragic events, please contact the Acting CEO on 0408 982 248.

Australian Team Contests 2009 US Open

Building on the recent successes at the Oceania and Commonwealth Championships, the National Sports Committee has selected the 2009 US Open as one of the international development tournaments which wil benefit our future athletes towards the 2012 London games. The development squad comprises the three tiers of players from the elite high performance, national and state squad athletes. They will be contesting against over 1700 athletes from 59 nations, including 17 other national teams and 13 Beijing Olympians. The team is accompanied by 8 national and state coaches and is headed by Gordon Twaddell. Stay tuned for more information and results.

The design of the national sports development program, for sparring and poomase, has been completed and is awaiting Board approval and is expected to be released in March 2009.

Taekwondo Australia Members Win Medals
At Oceania Champiomships In New Zealand

Taekwondo Australia congratulates our members who were part of the Australian Team which competed in the recent 3rd Oceania Championships held in Auckland, New Zealand. With the exception of two athletes, all Australian Team athletes were members of Taekwondo Australia, and even more pleasing were the large number of medals achieved by the members of Taekwondo Australia. Their achievement continues to demonstrate the strength of the Association's member clubs and state afffiliated bodies.

Taekwondo Australia Members Win Medals
At Commonwealth Games In Canada

Taekwondo Australia congratulates its members who were part of the Australian Team which competed in the recent Commonwealth Championships held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 24 of the 25 players in the Australian Team are members of Taekwondo Australia, and even more pleasing all 9 medal winners are members of Taekwondo Australia.

Taekwondo Australia also congratulates the athletes' states and clubs for their on going grass root development programes and support for the national pathway development initiatives.

This clearly demonstrates the strength of the Association's member clubs and state afffiliated bodies and we look forward to announcing even more successes from the Oceania Championships currently underway in Auckland, New Zealand.

Australian Team

Sparring Team			Poomsae Team
TA Member	Division	State	TA Member	Division	State
Junior Female			Individual Poomsae
Renae Perkins Brianna Wilson Raluca Plohberger Ellen Bruce Hayley Russell (Bronze Medal)	46-49kg 46-49kg 59-63kg 59-63kg 63-68kg	Qld Qld ACT ACT ACT	Luke Darlow (Gold Medal) Ross Campbell (Bronze Medal) Kerstin Oberprieler (Silver Medal) Elizabeth Hughes (Bronze Medal)	M 14-18 M 19-30 F 19-30 F 19-30	WA ACT ACT Vic
Junior Male			Team Staff
Beau Lang (Bronze Medal) Shannen Toby Graeme Riddell Jerome Tseitlin (Bronze & Most promising Junior) William Morrison James Carter	48-51kg 52-55kg 59-63kg 59-63kg 63-68kg 68-73kg	Vic NSW SA Vic ACT SA	Joon No George Elliot Chris Perkins Karen Perkins	Head of Team Coach Team Manager Chaperone	Vic ACT Qld Qld
Senior Female
Nicole Mitsigeorfis Nicole Men Sara Guevara (Silver Medal) Catherine Carling	55-59kg 59-63kg 67-72kg 72+kg	SA ACT ACT ACT			The Team
Senior Male
Mouhammed Mourad Carmelo Tarascio James Laurantus Rudolph Nunes (Bronze Medal & Most Promising Senior) Jonathon Inger	54-58kg 54-58kg 58-62kg 62-67kg 84+kg	NSW Vic NSW Vic Qld			The Medalists

         Taekwondo Australia Extends Newsletter Circulation

Our Newsletter has previously only been available to instructors but will now on occasions also be extended to include student members via the website. This is the first of these editions and Taekwondo Australia expects more to come on a regular basis.

In this issue we cover a wide range of topics including the Association's meeting with the Australian Sports Commission and the federal Minister of Sports, the US Open, Commonwealth Championships, International Referee seminars, New Policies, Upcoming Events and much more!

To download the Newsletter click on the Newsletter icon.