2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2017 ITF Taekwon-Do Australia National Championships were held on 5-6 August with over 180 competitors coming together from across four states of Australia and special guests from New Zealand.

The spirit of Taekwon-do was displayed by all in competition and respect upholding our Founders legacy of true ITF Taekwon-Do.  Three Masters were present at these championships being ITF Board Member Master Michael Daher ( 8th degree ), Senior Vice President Master Moustapha El-Sheikh ( 7th degree ) and special VIP Master Tam Fook Chee ( 8th degree ).

The championships were officially opened by the Tournament Director Mr Paul Harper welcoming everyone followed by Umpire Director Mr Trevor McIntyre briefing the Coaches and Umpires before the day kicked off.

This years championships witnessed a renewed energy and reconnection with some dear friends from our ITF family in Australia.

Master Tam Fook Chee 8th degree from Tam Taekwon-Do Mudokwan honoured us with his presence and members of his team who competed with great discipline and respect.

Bai Rui Taekwon-Do Team led by Mr Lance Birch travelling down from Brisbane with a big team. The friendship between our organisation spans decades with our President Master Daher and Bai Rui Founder the Late Master Charles Birch sharing many memories from the foundation years of ITF under Grand Master Young Ku Yun to leading the Australian Team to many ITF World Championships.

Elite Taekwon-Do Team led by Mr Carlo Giampietro added a new dimension with new competition and friendships made.

Saturday Competition was all coloured belt divisions which had some excellent display of the next generation of potential talent on the rise.

Sunday Competition comprised all the Black Belt divisions showing some entertaining fast paced high intensity competition between the seniors.

ITF Taekwon-Do Australia would like to thank all Umpires, Officials, Ring Marshalls, Coaches, Competitors, Parents and Supporters who without their dedication and commitment would not have made these championships such a success. Thank you to the Allied Association members that travelled from Perth, Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast for your continued support and assistance over the weekend.

Special thank you to our President Master Daher for being present at these Championships during these rough times that your family has gone through with the tragic loss of your brother Tannous ( Tony ) Daher, may he rest in peace.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next one.

Regards

Master El-Sheikh

Senior Vice President