Martial Artist of the Year

CONNOR PANAGENAS

Connor Panagenas is a little battler. Born nine weeks premature, his parents Con and Pamela decided to get him involved with Taekwondo to boost his confidence.

“We decided to send him to a local Taekwondo club in the area… to enable him to protect himself,” said his father Con.

That was two years ago and eight year old Connor has taken major strides forward ever since.

“His confidence is high, he is not afraid to voice his opinion at the appropriate time, he is always smiling and pulling faces… I think had we not taken him to Taekwondo, Connor would have been a totally different child both emotionally and physically,” said Con.

Connor’s initial training with instructor Glenn Parmley consisted of general self-defence, poomsae and sparring. Connor’s enjoyment of the sparring aspect was immediately evident.

“We took him to Tans Gold Coast Open in May 2009 to see whether he wanted to compete in tournaments too and we haven’t been able to stop him since,” his father Con said.

“His instructor Grand Master Glenn Parmley has allowed Connor to take over the class for warm ups,” he said.

Connor now trains a total of 8 hours over six days per week and an extra three hours, once a month with team Queensland.

“He is a respectful little fighter who loves the sport and discipline of Taekwondo. He wants to grow up and someday represent his country at the Olympics,” said his father Con.

At only eight years old, Connor already has 8 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal to his name. He is also the Queensland Red Belt Champion for ages 8-9 in two weight divisions (21-25kg and 24-29kg) for 2010, after wining Gold in both divisions at the 2010 Queensland Selections.

Connor recently received his invitation to compete at the National Championships and Australian Open in October.

All of this success has helped Connor develop valuable leadership skills, “as he is he highest ranked in his age group (7-10 year olds),” said his father Con.

Connor’s goals are now to achieve his black belt, 1st Poom before he turns nine in June, win at the Nationals in Canberra in October and be National red belt champion 2010.

CRAIG BARRETT

Craig Barrett is many things. A teacher, a club owner, a team captain, technical coach for Taekwondo Australia and the list goes on. But first and foremost, he is a martial artist.

Craig began his martial arts journey at the age of thirteen. Already possessing a fondness for martial arts, his mother enrolled him in classes and this is something he still credits her for today.

Craig has come a long way from that thirteen year old boy. He is the owner and instructor at Sipjin Taekwondo in New South Wales. “Being an instructor and athlete has a big part in my day to day life. I even run classes at Yass High school for sport,” he said.

“I try and keep up to date with all aspects of Taekwondo. That is why I have my coaching accreditation as well as being a qualified Poomsae judge and sparring referee through the Oceania Taekwondo Union,” he said.

Craig’s club name, Sipjin Taekwondo stands for ‘endless development and growth, which is affected by a systemic and orderly rule,’ and Craig works hard to entrench this feeling into his students training. “I believe you get what you put in, so the harder you work the greater the results,” he said.

If we back track a little, we learn that Craig has represented Australia at three World Poomsae Championships in a row. His passed awards include winning Gold in 2008 in Poomsae at the 10th World Taekwondo festival and Gold at the World Taekwondo Cultural Festival in Korea. Most recently, Craig won Gold at the 5th World Poomsae Championship Selections in Melbourne and will represent Australia at the upcoming Oceania Poomsae Taekwondo Championships in New Caledonia.

Along with being a club owner/instructor and successful athlete, Craig prides himself in his role as Team Captain for Australia at the World Championships. After making the team himself, he was approached by the Team Manager and offered the captaincy. “I want to ensure we encourage each other and support each other as a team,” he said.

Craig’s experience as an instructor extends to being appointed Head Technical Coach for Taekwondo Australia (ACT). “My role as coach is to help develop and improve the standard of Poomsae in the ACT through developing and implementing programs,” he said.

So what’s next? “I want to grow and develop the next generation of athletes, particularly in Poomsae through coaching and instructing, and continue to grow and develop as a martial artist,” said Craig.

Unfortunately there were no suitable entries for the month of July.

Entry JOLS Martial Artist

JONATHAN CARUSO

Jonathan Caruso is a natural born leader and role model. 2010 Junior Victorian Team Captain, winner of the “Top Gun” award and member of the Victorian Kumite Leadership Group are just a few of this young star’s achievements.

“Being a captain is a great privilege as I am able to stand next to our senior captains every week and learn from their experiences,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan’s passion for karate came about at the young age of four, when he began lessons. He started competing at the age of eight, making his debut at the 2004 Victorian State Championships. “My dad asked me if I would like to start karate and I said yes. After my first lesson I loved it so much that I kept coming back week after week,” he said.

Jonathan soon realised Kumite was his favourite aspect of Karate, “because of the adrenaline rush I get when I stand on the line.”

This adrenaline rush has helped Jonathan through his many competition victories. 2009 was a big year for him, placing 1st at the Karate Victorian Championships, the Australian Open, Melbourne Open and the National Championships.

Mental visualisation is a big part of Jonathan’s competition preparation. Although nerves are always felt prior to matches, he maintains that they are all positive feelings. “Being nervous is positive because it keeps me ready and edgy,” he said.

Jonathan defines his biggest achievement as placing 4th at the 2009 WKF Cadet and Junior World Championships in Morocco. He was selected for the 14-15 year, 52 kg division for his first international fighting experience.

Jonathan made it to the third round, but was beaten by an Italian competitor. He beat a Tunisian competitor in repercharge and then battled a French to fight for third place. Unfortunately the French competitor beat him in extra time. “Even though I placed equal fourth, I was ranked in the top 6 in the world. Despite not wining, it is my most memorable and greatest achievement to date,” he said.

Apart from the satisfaction of winning competitions, Karate has helped improved Jonathan’s self confidence, introduced him to new people and helped him forge new friendships. “I have also been able to improve my focus and concentration which has helped me achieve good results at school,” he said.

Jonathan’s most recent achievement is placing first at the 2010 Victorian State Championships. He hopes to continue training ad competing to achieve his ultimate victory. “My goal in Karate is to become a world champion and compete through Europe,” he said.

TSUNEARI YAHIRO

Tsuneari Yahiro attributes his positive state of mind to his beginnings in karate. “Karate has taught me a lot, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to never give up. No matter how many times you lose, if you keep trying, you will achieve what you want,” he said.

It is safe to say that this mind set has had some impact on the young Karate star’s success in the sport. The consecutive NSW Champion, National Champion and Oceania Champion began karate training at nine years old and started competing only a year later.

Tsuneari competed at the 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2009 Dutch Karate Open Championships and placed 4th at the event in 2009.

Although winning titles is a great feeling, Tsuneari enjoys “competing and making friends with people around the world” and the entire karate experience.

Tsuneari’s greatest achievement is placing 3rd at the 2003 Junior Cadet World Championships in France. This win has pushed him to aspire to his goal of winning the World Championships. “But to do that I need experience and exposure. So my current goal is to train with many people around the world and compete in as many high level international competitions as possible,” he said.

Most recently, Tsuneari won the open category at the 2010 Australian Open Karate Championships. Next on the agenda is representing Australia at the World Combat Games and possibly at the Senior World Karate Championships. “It feels great to be representing Australia… It will be my second Senior World Championships and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“After I retire, I would like to become a coach and grow a World Champion,” he said.

LIAM YOKOYAMA

Liam Yokoyama entered the world of judo only two years ago, after his father introduced him to a friend who was a Sensei. His immediate attachment to the sport, along with his natural flair saw him make an immediate impact on judo in Australia. Liam’s achievements speak for themselves.

“About two years ago my father took me to watch some judo… I had tried Taekwondo in Thailand when I was 10 and it was fun, but it was non contact so I got bored just kicking and punching pads,” he said.

Liking his enthusiasm, Liam’s father began teaching him judo in the backyard every day after school before taking him to join a club.

“I had to convince him I would not quit… The first time I tried Judo with the others at the club I knew it was what I wanted to do, and it just felt natural to me,” he said.

Liam has not looked back since. Less than three months after starting his judo training, he became the National Champion in his division.

“It was a big surprise to me. Nobody expected me to win Nationals after only three months of training,” he said.

From that point, Liam’s success has steadily accelerated. In 2008 he was awarded the Lake Macquarie Junior Sportsperson of the year award, after winning 32 of his 38 fights throughout the year.

2009 was an even bigger year for Liam. In May, he competed at the Shingwa City Championships in Tokyo, placing first in the under 14, over 55kg division, and was subsequently named the most outstanding player of the tournament.

Liam also placed first at the Australian National JFA Championships in June in his division. In July he competed in the NSW International Open and again, placed first in his division.

To top off a very successful year, Liam was invited to attend the National Talent and Development camp with the Australian Institute of Sport. There he had the opportunity to train with the Australian Junior National Judo Team and the team from Japan.

Liam was fortunate enough to go to Japan twice in twelve months. On his first trip he was able to visit his birth place of Utsunomiya and do other relevant sight seeing.

“I went with my mum and dad. I trained six days a week for five months at the Kodokan… This year I went for three months with one of the older players in our judo club… I was doing 4-5 hours of training everyday.”

Although Liam has found success in such a short time, he still sees the importance of working hard on the mental aspect of his Judo training.

“You need to be disciplined and train constantly to develop the skills… It’s a lot of hard work but it’s a lot of fun.”

Liam is now looking to make an impact on an International level. He is going to the USA for six weeks this month, and then to Europe in September for three months.

“I have been invited to train at the US Olympic training centre in Colorado so I should get experience against the best.”

“I am going for three months of training in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Britain…My goal this year is to gain experience and develop my judo so I can compete with confidence at an International level,” he said.

Liam’s Sensei Brian Needham said throughout his success Liam has possessed humility, respect and a spirit of sportsmanship.

“He has made me proud as a Sensei and he has become a young ambassador for Australian judo wherever he goes,” he said.

LORR JENSEN

Lorr Jensen has been involved with Karate since 2001. He began under the influence of his parents and participated along with his brother Lars.

Lorr enjoys all aspects of the sport, and especially because it, “keeps me fit and out of trouble.”

Lorr’s Sensei, Shane Thackeray said his student is very passionate about his karate.

“He went to Japan in September 2009 to train for 10 days, but after seven days he tore his hamstring,” he said.

Prior to the injury, Lorr was doing two, three hour training sessions per day.

“Training was very hard. I badly hurt my thigh and couldn’t train for the last two days.”

“I trained under Kobayashi Sensei, Argaki Sensei and our chief instructor Takahashi Shihan. It was hard but great. The hardest thing I’ve done in my life,” said Lorr.

Although he was disappointed by his injury, Lorr didn’t let it hold him back.

He represented Australia in the Funakoshi Gichin Cup 10th World Karate-do Championships in Sydney 2006.

In 2009, he became the Australian Champion in Kumite at the 28th annual JKAA National Championships on the Gold Coast.

Lorr said winning the Australian titles is his biggest achievement so far and he is looking to go on and earn his third Dan. He believes the guidance of his Sensei will help him in his endeavour.

“My Sensei, Shane Thackeray has been my sensei since I was just 7 years old… He has helped me get to 2nd Dan,” he said.

“My plans are to compete at the TSKFA Queensland titles in July and the TSKFA Nationals in Tasmania in Feburary 2011” he said.

BENJAMIN HARVEY

Benjamin Harvey began practising Taekwondo in 2004 at the age of six. He watched his older brother's enjoyment in the sport and decided to join himself. "I took to it naturally and haven't looked back," he said. The soon to be twelve year old has gained achievements beyond his years.

After only a year in the sport, Benjamin began competing at state and national levels. Last year he took out the gold medal in sparring in his weight division at the nationals, which he describes as his greatest achievement so far.

But it hasn't all been easy for this aspiring athlete. In 2009 his head instructor, Mr Kim passed away. "Competing at the Australian Nationals was difficult when the head instructor passed away. But that made me try harder. Winning that gold medal was for me and for Mr Kim," he said.

Since then, Benjamin has received a medal at each national competition, whether it is gold, silver or bronze. He is a 2009 Dual State Champion for Sparring and Poomsae.

The 5 times state champion and current national champion has just achieved his second Dan black belt. Benjamin's ultimate goal is to train in Korea and compete at the Olympics.

His love of sport and commitment to training means he has plenty of opportunities coming his way. He trains up to five days a week when preparing for competitions. In a normal week he says, "I train three days a week and on Saturday I do a four hour session for Sparring and Poomsae."

So who does the young Taekwondo star look up to? "Mr Kim was very much a huge part of my Tae Kwon Do training and always took the time to show me the correct techniques. Also Geoff Kelly in sparring, for his persistence in helping to become better," he said.

CAITLIN NOBLE

You could say that Caitlin Noble has karate running through her veins. Her father, Wayne Noble has been involved with karate for over 30 years and is one part of the Shindo Karate Association. Her younger sister Sarah is also an avid martial artist.

Caitlin began practising karate in 1997 at the age of four. She holds over 15 National Australian Karate Federation (AKF) titles and 25 State AKF titles (including team). She now trains five days a week, which equals to roughly 15 hours, as well as juggling her final year VCE studies. But Caitlin doesn't bow to the pressure; she is set out to do her best.

Although training is a big part of her life, Caitlin enjoys karate as part of her relaxation and social life also. "I have heaps of friends and it¡¯s good for just keeping fit and having fun," she said.

Caitlin has always been the smallest in her division but that hasn't stopped her. Since she moved into weight divisions, she has not been beaten in Australia. Although she is a lightweight, she won the open weight category at the 2009 Victoria Championships.

Caitlin believes her greatest achievement was making it into the Australian team for the 2006 Oceania Championships at just 13 years old and winning a silver medal.

However, 2009 was a very successful year for Caitlin also. She won the 2009 junior top gun award for the most outstanding athlete in the Victorian karate team for the second time in three years. She was also the junior captain of the Victorian team in the same year.

In November 2009, Caitlin travelled to Morocco to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships, succeeding in her first match but unfortunately loosing her second. Due to this, she completed her year 11 VCE exams a month before the rest of her peers. "It's not too hard to juggle school as well. I would be interested in studying journalism or media, but of course I would continue karate," she said.

Amongst having to complete her exams alone and travelling overseas, Caitlin managed to receive dux at her school last year, proving drive and commitment comes naturally to her. She says her competitive nature helps her keep going. "I'm a competitive person but I also like to have fun."

Caitlin sees Karate as part of her long-term future saying, "My long term karate goals would be to train hard and make it to the Olympics some day."

So where does all this passion come from? "I really look up to my mum. Because she's always busy running around, working, juggling everything. But she's still always happy," Caitlin said.

Caitlin's achievments:

• Gold Medal - WKF Youth World Cup (Australian Team Captain at that event)
• Gold medal - British Open Karate Championships (Silver Medal in Open weight at that event)
• Gold medal Australian Open Karate Championships
• Gold medal Australian National Karate Championships (Also Gold in team events at both those events )
• Victorian Team Captain
• Winner "Alan Murdoch Award" for most outstanding member of Victorian Karate team

PECE NAUMOVSKI

Pece Naumovski discovered karate at a young age through his interest in martial arts movies. This beginning seems fitting, as he is now often dubbed Australia’s “karate kid.”

“I went around to look for a good karate club, got started and loved it ever since,” he said.

Pece’s curiosity for the martial art soon turned from a hobby to a passion.

“Now I have been training for five years so I would like to have a future career with karate and hopefully one day open a club of my own,” he said.

In 2007, at only 10 years old, Pece won the Go-Kan-Ryu Karate International Championships in England for his age group, which he classifies as his greatest achievement.

Pece attributes his wins to a successful mind set gained with the help of his coaches and those he trains with.

“They give me positive feedback all the time to work on things I need to improve on, which makes me want to try all of these new ideas at training sessions and tournaments. Not only does this make me want to try but it keeps me going,” he said.

In 2010, Pece won first place in both Kata and Kumite under 13’s at the JKF National Championships in Brisbane in March.

Pece was aiming to place 1st, 2nd or 3rd to qualify for the Australian JKF team. This would earn him the honour of competing at the 2010 All-Japan Karate Titles in Japan. He now has his sights set on placing in the top three in Japan in July.

“I try to picture myself winning which helps me a lot with my mental training,” he said.

However, Pece’s ultimate dream is to compete in the Olympic Games in a few years and to represent Australia.

“I am very dedicated to my training and committed. I really love karate and have a passion for it and want to be the best I possibly can,” he said.

ALANA POZZEBON

Alana Pozzebon took on Taekwondo with her parent’s encouragement as a shy six year old, hoping it would help get her out of her shell. And it worked.

“Taekwondo really helped me get out of my comfort zone and I started to get more and more confident,” she said.

At age eight, Alana was already competing and thoroughly enjoying training and fitness. These days, Taekwondo means much more to her than simply a sport or hobby.

“Taekwondo means everything to me. I would love to have a career in Taekwondo as well as make it to the Olympics one day,” she said.

Alana competed in her first international competition last year, the 2009 Malaysian Open. She fought with juniors and seniors and won gold in both divisions.

“I never thought I was capable of that, and it was a real eye opener to show I could do and win anything,” she said.

Alana also won gold in the 2010 Taekwondo Victorian Championships. She believes it is her passion for competing and working hard in the intensive training sessions proceeding, that have helped her in these victories.

“That’s the training I love. I get so excited for competitions. It’s where I learn the most,” she said.

However, Alana also sees the importance of preparing her mind frame to feel ready both physically and mentally.

“I mentally prepare by picturing myself fighting and winning that gold medal,” she said.

As for losing, as difficult as it is, Alana uses the experience as a time to learn.

“It makes me realise where I have gone wrong and what I could’ve done better. Then I work on what I had troubles with, if it’s a certain kick or a mental issue,” she said.

Alana now has her sights set on the Korean Open in July, which she has been training hard for. She hopes her dedication will one day allow her to experience what her coach, Carlo Massimino has.

“I would love to experience what he has. Travelling the world, training overseas and such great experiences,” she said.