YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD!

You're Never Too Old: My World Taekwondo Journey

My Taekwondo journey started when I watched my son train at the Blackwood centre. I quickly realized that the World Taekwondo club fostered a wonderful community of like-minded individuals dedicated to self-improvement in fitness, self-defence, self-confidence, personal discipline, and mutual respect.

The training was open to everyone, which further inspired me.
I became friends with some of the parents of the children training alongside my son. Nigel Blake encouraged me to join, followed by Cassandra Court. During our training, the senior belts and the Grand Master were incredibly supportive and motivating. It was at that moment I recognised my potential for achieving a higher belt.

Unfortunately, I faced a serious setback in 2020 when I injured my heel and fibula in a motorcycle accident, requiring surgery in 2022. Despite this setback, I returned to training a year later with the full support of the club. I regained my confidence, inspiring me to reach my full potential and aim for a black belt like my son Rhys and my daughter Amber.

I would like to dedicate my black belt to the late Instructor Jozef Klim, who has always supported me, as well as to all the instructors and members of the Blackwood World Taekwondo Club who made this achievement possible.

I would also like to personally thank Grand Master Wahid Halimee,  Master Carol Halimee, Instructor David Earle and Instructor Margaret Rogers whose support was invaluable .

And so, the journey continues...

Phatcharin Barlass
August 12, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au