That potential boost is one of a handful of prestigious titles Sammy Rachele’s studio could boast about following a series of triumphant outings in Melbourne during the course of May.
Across three consecutive weekends, members of the Koryo dojo travelled to multiple locations in the city for a range of state-level showcases.
First was the State Poomsae Championships in Reservoir on May 12, where Rachele’s contingent came away with six medals — including three golds from the boss himself.
The following Saturday, May 19, brought a tremendous haul to the Shepparton students in Doreen for the Victorian Taekwondo Interclub Competition.
It was young talent time at the interclub meet, with Ayaan Chhabra, 10, Liam Summers, 13, and 15-year-olds Josh Kennedy and Keira Burtina all taking home at least one gold amidst a total of 17 medals for the group.
Koryo was represented again at Doreen on May 26 for the Victorian Winter Open for red, yellow and blue belts, where Lila Brown took out another gold in individual fighting for the 12 to 14-year female division.
Rachele was more than proud of what his disciples have put out at a high level — but there’s more just around the corner.
“The kids are on fire this year,” Rachele said.
“We’re having a really big year and it just keeps getting better for us.
“I’m taking off this weekend to Sydney with one of my junior black belts for the Junior World Championship Selections.
“It would be fantastic if young Josh could get into the team or potentially medal this weekend.”
The junior black belt Rachele speaks of is a student from Wallan who has regularly commuted all the way north for training in hope of performing alongside the absolute elite.
“As he’s aged up, sometimes he’s been beaten by some of the bigger bodies, but next year he’ll be even better than this year,” Rachele said.
“He actually took a full week off school and he’s been up here so we can train morning and night, non-stop.
“I’m hoping for really good things.”
