Congratulations to the following players who competed at the recent Sports Taekwondo New South Wales and Sports Taekwondo Australian Capital Territory joint state championships held at the Australian Institute of Australia Basketball and Netball Centre in Canberra last 8 July 2012:

• Justine Abigail Sangalang - Gold - Sparring, Black Belt 14-17 years old, 44-49 kgs division
• Leonardo Mercado - Gold - Poomsae, Yellow Belt 41-50 years old division
• Isaiah Mercado - Gold - Poomsae, Yellow Belt 19-30 years old division
• Kyan Gonzales - Silver - Sparring, Yellow Belt 6-7 years old 35-40 kgs division and Bronze - Poomsae, Yellow Belt 7-10 years old division
• Abby won over her Victorian opponent who was much older, taller and heavier in a merged division which was two divisions above Abby's division of 42-44 kgs. Abby scored 16 - 8 and has displayed excellent match tactics and finesse in her game.

Kyan fought for the first time in sparring and performed very well with a score of 7-10 settling for a Silver Medal. He enjoyed competing in both sparring and poomsae and is looking forward to the upcoming Nationals in the Gold Coast where he hopes to improve his skills in both events.

Father and son duo of Leonardo (Mer) and Isaiah (Aya) have shown improved performances in only their second time competing in poomsae in their respective divisions winning Gold Medals and having impressed the judges.

Well done to everyone! This is a fantastic result and provides an excellent preparation for the upcoming Sports Taekwondo Australian Open and National Championships on 7-9 September 2012 at the Gold Coast, Queensland. TAYA Taekwondo is very proud of you and wish you all the best at Nationals!