Duan Christie Maguire from ilyo Barossa, flew over to evaluate the student’s performance and self-improvement over the last six months of training. 

Students demonstrated their knowledge in line work, sparring, self- defence and formwork (poomse) while also doing strength and fitness training.

All students going for their blue belt and above had to demonstrate focus and strength by breaking a board or two.

The belt system is grading through white, yellow 1,2,3, Blue 1,2,3, Red 1,2,3 and Black.  

All 33 ilyo students passed their grading.  An amazing seven double grading were awarded for showing exceptional dedication, etiquette, focus and knowledge.

Congratulations  to Zoey Hart, Jacoba Wiya, Spencer Hart-Lefel, Rourke Hart-Lefel, Zane Ziavani, Jazmyn Webb and Hollie Wilkinson.  

Seven female students also obtained their blue belts and graduated to the male dominated senior class. Watch out boys!   

Six students earned their blue belt third stripe which puts them only one grading away from red belt, a great achievement as this is the stage when often students start to feel tkd is too hard and quit.

This shows that these students have the drive and commitment to achieve personal goals and push through the challenges of TKD. 

Daniel Bailey achieved his red belt.  Dean McGrath and Kai Singleton earned their red 2 belt.

Trophies were awarded to: Rory Gabor – Encouragement award.  Lincoln Guseli  – Indomitable Spirit Award.  Jacoba Wiya - Term 4 Champion Award.  Jacob Bartusch-Rice – Modesty Award.  Oscar Defrenza – Etiquette Award.  Adam Giffen – Perseverance Award.  Rourke Hart-Lefel – Self Control Award and head instructor from ilyo Barossa, Duan Christie Maguire received the Paul Cooper Commemorative Trophy.

“It was fantastic to see so many students try so hard, not just at the grading but at training,” local instructor Zoe Cooper said.

“Their hard work shows in their performance.  Thank-you to all of the family’s for supporting ilyo Taekwondo. We start back with Term 1 2018, ilyo Taekwondo caters to all ages and abilities, please phone me on 0402 749 593 if you are interested in joining.  Safe holidays to everyone from ilyo Taekwondo.”