More often than not the martial and combat disciplines go undervalued in sport.
Sammy Rachele, proprietor of Shepparton’s Koryo Taekwondo facility, is among those working to raise the profile of his sport.
On October 14 and 15 at the annual Taekwondo Australia nationals meet in Perth, Rachele watched on as two of his Goulburn Valley-based students picked up Australian medals ― but not before scooping a fair haul himself.
Describing himself as “the old man who still likes to play”, head practitioner Rachele picked up two gold medals of his own, taking the top gongs in power breaking and technical areas.
He was proudest of his students, though, as Damon Vasterink finished with a gold medal in para taekwondo for the second year running, while youngster Darcy Jackson came home with bronze competing among 15 to 17-year-old red belts.
“Damon started with me around 15 years ago, he’s continued up until now and he’s 28,” Rachele said.
“He’s a great kid who hasn’t had the easiest of lives, so to be able to give him the experiences he’s had is pretty special.
“Darcy has been around three or four years. He won the Koryo Student of the Year last year because of the person he is: nice, well-disciplined and respectful.
“He was pretty stoked with all of that after his family went over with him and they enjoyed a little holiday.”
Koryo veteran Vasterink has already competed internationally this year, visiting France and Mexico to compete in global tournaments as he continues his training with Rachele.
Arguably the most meaningful recognition Rachele received, though, came at that weekend’s gala dinner, where the governing body awarded him Community Coach of the Year.
“(Receiving the award) was just fantastic, really,” Rachele said.
“Hopefully, now that we’re getting our enrolment back to pre-COVID numbers, we can get a really good group over next year.”
The next chance to compete won’t be far away, either.
Shepparton will be playing host to numerous metropolitan taekwondo schools making their way to compete with Koryo on November 19.