10 Years of Kicks and Confidence: How I Scored My Junior Black Belt!

10 Years In The Making

For 10 years, I have been training at World Taekwondo since I was 4 years old. Now, at 14, I have finally achieved my Junior Black Belt.

My first class was at Sturt Street Community School with Instructor Cory and the late Instructor Jozef. I was unsure at the time, but this experience would shape my journey.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sturt Street center was closed. I then moved to Westbourne Park Memorial Hall, where I trained with Instructor Patrick, Instructor Mark, and occasionally Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

At the red belt with five black stripes level, I changed schools after moving house. I was encouraged to train at St. Peter's East Adelaide School, where I was reintroduced to Senior Instructor Peter. He assisted me during my first board-breaking seminar at the green belt level. Training there led to significant improvement, and I soon applied for my Black Belt Test.

As training intensified over the months, I felt ready for the test.

The Black Belt Test

On the day of the Black Belt test, I was excited and nervous. During the test, I remained extremely focused and determined to perform at my peak. My extensive mental and physical preparation helped me stay composed. The test pushed me to use all my strength, power, and knowledge.

When Grand Master Wahid Halimee called out my name during the results, I could not have been prouder of myself.

Impact of World Taekwondo

World Taekwondo has helped me in many ways. For example, during the 2023 sports day event, the year sixes competed in the 1500m run. Using my physical skills, endurance, and the positive mindset from World Taekwondo, I overcame the pain barriers associated with long-distance running and achieved 3rd place. I also apply the discipline learned in World Taekwondo to listen to my teachers with full attention and to show respect to my peers. World Taekwondo has instilled in me the principle of taking action, so whenever I have a task, I complete it as quickly and accurately as possible. It has given me the confidence to tackle various life experiences.

World Taekwondo has taught me essential life skills such as discipline, respect, confidence, routine, perseverance, reliability, and the importance of pushing myself and not giving up.

Gratitude

I would like to dedicate this achievement to my Mum, who has raised me as a single parent. She has supported, encouraged, and helped me throughout my years in World Taekwondo, even during tough times when I didn’t want to continue. My Mum encourages and guides me to be the best person I can be; without her love, support, and dedication, I would not be here today. I also want to thank everyone I’ve met along the way who has contributed to my growth.

I have learned that “You cannot buy a Black Belt; it is earned through dedication and persistence.”

Jakob Dinning-Staker
September 10, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Power for life - World Taekwondo for the 50+

World Taekwondo - Life Wellbeing Support for All Ages

After working in my previous career for over 30 years in a stressful environment, I had little time to focus on exercise, which impacted my overall wellbeing.

I joined World Taekwondo at the Blackwood training centre, which has amazingly improved my wellbeing by learning martial arts in such a nice community. The Grand Master has created a very pleasant, inclusive, and respectful environment for people, while addressing individual safety for all participants. This makes attendance for training a nice experience. In addition, the provision of multiple training venues in Adelaide enables easy access to attend classes.

World Taekwondo has members ranging from young children to seniors, both males and females. It is great to see so many family members involved, which helps their family relationships. This has inspired me to recommend World Taekwondo for people of all ages and that children start early in their life and continue forever. I have witnessed the progression of children developing their skills in Taekwondo, improving their flexibility, following instructions, and learning discipline and respect in a nurturing environment. For this reason, I am looking forward to my own grandchildren joining at an early age.

All training sessions incorporate a significant amount of initial stretching and aerobics prior to focusing on self-defence movements. This has significantly improved my own flexibility.

The precision of self-defence movements taught by Grand Master Wahid is very impressive and cleverly applied. Initially, we learn the basics of the movements, but as time goes forward, Grand Master Wahid teaches us individually how to improve these skills. Learning always continues as we rise in belt levels from white to black and beyond, which keeps us motivated.

World Hapkido is a another interesting style of self-defence taught by the Grand Master as an associated class with Taekwondo. World Hapkido supplements your skills and wellbeing with a very different range of circular smooth movements, making use of the opponent’s weight and momentum.

I am so grateful to Grand Master Wahid, Master Carol, and many instructors for their encouragement and support in achieving my Black Belt. Thank you also to Phatcharin and Cassandra for working with me in preparation for our black belt grading together.

Grand Master Wahid Halimee, Master Carol Halimee, and all instructors, thank you for World Taekwondo improving my wellbeing in such a pleasant and clever environment.

Mark Penley
September 02, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au

Kicking Goals: How World Taekwondo Changed My Life!

Kicking Towards Success

Hi, my name is Vy, and I am 11 years old, soon to be 12. I started World Taekwondo when I was just five, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since. Over the past six years, I have faced numerous challenges, learned valuable lessons, and recently achieved one of my biggest goals: earning my black belt.

Overcoming Challenges

When I first began learning how to break boards in Taekwondo, I felt nervous and scared, often doubting my abilities. There were times when I would strike the board and it wouldn’t break, leaving me frustrated. However, my instructor, Peter Whitbread, encouraged me to believe in myself. I kept practicing my kicks and strikes, and with each attempt, I grew more confident. The first time I finally broke a board, I felt immense pride; it was proof that hard work and determination truly pay off. Although breaking boards is still challenging, I'll never forget that first successful strike.

Lessons in Discipline

Training in World Taekwondo has instilled a sense of discipline in me. I learned to concentrate in class, listen carefully to instructions, and practice with focus. These habits have helped me succeed in school as well. Taekwondo has shown me that discipline and focus lead to success, whether it’s breaking a board or solving a tough math problem. I am grateful to have learned this essential skill through World Taekwondo.

A Proud Achievement

The moment I received my black belt was one of the proudest days of my life. Reflecting on my journey from a white belt to now, I was overwhelmed with happiness. Wearing that black belt and shaking hands with everyone filled me with confidence and pride in my hard work. This newfound confidence assures me that I can achieve anything if I set my mind to it!

A Strong Sense of Community

World Taekwondo has given me a wonderful sense of community through the people I have met along the way. Over the years, I’ve made many friends who train alongside me, and we constantly encourage one another to improve. My instructors have been instrumental in teaching me everything necessary to earn my black belt. With friends and instructors by my side, Taekwondo feels like a second family, and I am thankful for all their support. I also want to thank my brother; despite our ups and downs, he has helped me with my patterns and offered valuable tips.

Aiming for New Goals

My ultimate goal in Taekwondo was to earn my black belt. It felt so far away when I was just a white belt at five. I achieved this goal by practicing every week, learning each pattern carefully, and persevering through tough times. Reaching that milestone taught me that big dreams can come true if I stay dedicated. Now I know I can set new goals in Taekwondo, like achieving my second Dan, in school, or in any aspect of life, and work hard to achieve them.

Thank you for reading about my journey in World Taekwondo!

Vy Nguyen
September 01, 2025
For more information visit worldtaekwondo.com.au