Taking on the best: Sammy Rachele and student Keira Burtina.
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The students at Shepparton’s Koryo Taekwondo Centre learnt a valuable lesson at the weekend.
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You won’t discover your full potential unless you get out and test your skills against the best.
Koryo Taekwondo Centre owner Sammy Rachele was one proud teacher as he witnessed three of his students, Ayaan Chhabra, Harry Woodman and Keira Burtina, give it their all at the Victorian State Selection Sparring tournament.
With more than 300 competitors attending Rachele’s pupils came up against experienced opponents and walked away with medals.
Burtina competed in the 15-17 novice age group and claimed gold, while Woodman secured silver in his 10-11 age division.
Chhabra, the youngest of the trio, finished with silver and bronze in his 9-10 age group.
Bring it on: Sammy Rachele and his students, Ayaan Chhabra, Harry Woodman and Keira Burtina.
“It was great to have some kids that have never done it (competed) before enter a big competition and go out and experience it for the first time,” Rachele said.
“They’re new kids (to taekwondo) and have come out with some good results which is great.
“I encourage all of my students to compete, some choose to do it, some don’t which is fine, but the ones who do are able to go on and excel ― it’s really encouraging to see them do well.
“Keira creamed it, she came up against a red belt as a blue belt, she was a bit more experienced than (Keira), but she was awesome.
“Young Ayaan, he ended up going into two divisions, he lost his first fight, but won the second.
“Harry came up against a blue belt, he’s only yellow, but he kept fighting, he didn’t back down, just kept on trying. He was keen as mustard and wanted to go around again and again.”
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