USMA Taekwondo

For more than two decades, USMA Taekwondo has brought martial arts to communities across Victoria, teaching self-defence, promoting fitness and fostering team spirit. Our club prides itself on the achievements of its people. Many USMA students have successfully competed at state, national and overseas tournaments, showcasing their skills in sparring, patterns, special technique and power breaking.

After taking out a record 21 medals at the 2014 World Championships in Rome, our representatives are ready and willing to do even better when they stand for Australia in the upcoming ITF World Championships in Brighton, England this July. The fact that our style of Taekwondo, "ITF" (International Taekwondo Federation), does not receive financial support from the Australian Government has not deterred us from competing in ITF tournaments here or abroad. It just means we have to work a little harder to make our country proud.

 

We're seeking a small contribution to help us reach our goal of $5000, which we'll put towards the expenses of the USMA contingent travelling to England for the competition. Here's a breakdown of some of the costs each competitor will incur:

- World Championship event registration $150 
- Australia team tracksuit $200+
- Official ITF Dobok (Taekwondo uniforms) $150
- Sparring gear (gloves, boots, shin/elbow pads, mouthguard, groin protectors etc.) $300+
- Airfare (Australia to England) $1800+
- Accomodation $1500+
- Food, transportation and other $550+
Total: $4650+

With your support, our representatives can stay focused on training as they strive to win GOLD for Australia. 

As with any sport or martial art, competitive Taekwondo demands continuous work, perseverance and a strong will to achieve. Many of our USMA competitors work or study full time (or both). This means we must strike a balance between commitments in and outside the Dojang (our place of training).  For example, one of our most committed students, Marcia, is a mother-of-two and a theatre nurse at a Dandenong hospital. This July, Marcia will represent Australia in sparring, patterns and power breaking divisions. (Below, picture credit: The Herald Sun, 2014.)

Many USMA Taekwondo supporters are currently involved in a number of fund-raising activities (e.g, Cadbury chocolate box initiative and organising social events) to assist the team travelling to the UK this July. As a club, we'll continue to rally the public sector for recognition of ITF-style Taekwondo. But, until that happens ... your support would be greatly appreciated! 
Learn more about us at www.usmataekwondo.com or find us on Instagram.