Congratulations to Students

Four Parramatta teenagers to represent Australia at the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Ireland in October.

“Four Parramatta teenagers will take on the world’s best at the 2017 International Taekwondo Federation World Championships in Ireland in October.
It will be the second world competition for Jacob Khadi, Matthew Travieso and Charlie Dagher, while James Sarkis will compete on the international stage for the first time.

James, 15, is from North Parramatta and said it would be a serious test of his skills.
“I’m looking forward to fighting new competitors because you get more out of it,” he said.
“Instead of sparring the same people, fighting new people will be a good experience for me. I’ll be able to test how our training works on the mat.”
The foursome are all first dan black belts and train at the Il Shim Taekwondo gym in Rydalmere. Nine competitors from the gym will make the trip to Ireland in a team of 20 representing Australia.

Jacob, 14, said he would be better for the experience after travelling to the World Cup in Hungary last year.
“The adrenaline of being in the arena really psyched you up to spar and just to be there,” the Oatlands resident said.
“It was a wake up call to how much further we can go and how much more we can do.
“It was good to see what the outside world and everyone else was doing and how you can match it and beat it.”
Greystanes residents Matthew and Charlie, both 15, know the feeling of international competition.

Matthew claimed a bronze medal in sparring at last years’ World Cup and said it was “more of a challenge” competing against new opponents.
Charlie said they had learned not to let their nerves get the better of them in international competition.
“It was exciting to find out that we were fighting in a different country at such a big tournament,” he said.
“It was really enjoyable because it was new to us and got a lot of good experience out of it. We didn’t go too well but I think we’re ready for the next World Championships.”
-Parramatta Sun
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