From cute excitement of the tiny tots to the more serious seniors and all belts in between, 38 students took part.

The grading saw white, yellow, blue and red belts working together in all aspects of taekwondo.

It was a chance to show off their skills, not only to the parents and friends attending but also to their instructor, Zoe Cooper and the Ilyo head instructor Duan Maguire.

Ilyo students undertook drills in line-work, footwork, kicking, combo drills, poomse (formwork), self-defence, sparring , board breaking and stick fighting.

“It is so rewarding when a student who has been training with me achieves a new belt. It takes ever more commitment and focus as you progress in taekwondo. I’m so proud of my seniors for their achievements today, they have really shown perseverance and determination,” said Zoe Cooper.

“Kai Singleton is an exceptional stand-out – he achieved third stripe his red belt, so is getting very close to becoming a black belt. He’s young, but he has the drive and a great style. He broke three boards at the grading. One board took him four or five attempts to break, but his determination was commendable. I’m so proud of him.”

The senior belts also did a demonstration of Bongsul and stick fighting.

“It’s fantastic to get the whole club together at a grading,” said Zoe. “The white and yellow belts don’t get the chance to train with the seniors, so to watch their reactions when they see the board breaking, sparring and Bongsul is great, you can see the inspiration and awe. The juniors did a great job, it’s a long grading and they all held it together and really tried their best.”

Oscar De Frenza, who earnt his red belt, was also awarded the Term 1 award for strong intent and focus resulting in the most improved technique. Jazmyn Webb was awarded the Term 2 award for most improved kicking technique. Jacob Bartausch-Rice and Jessie Davies both received a medal for most improved sparring technique. Krystal Bailey became the youngest female red belt in the club.

Ilyo Taekwondo Narooma would like to thank Duan Maguire, head instructor, for coming over from South Australia and conducting the grading. Thanks to the parents and caregivers for supporting your family members in their pursuit of mastery in taekwondo.

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