NEWS & UPDATES
BLACK BELT TRAINING SESSIONs
Doug's Dojang is now offering specialty training sessions for Taekwondo practitioners who hold black tip or black belt status. Sessions are conducted 2.30pm-4.00pm every Saturday afternoon at the Simpson Street training hall.
To participate in these sessions, please call instructor Mr Doug Swain (VI degree) on 0439 383 715 for more details.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!
There was great energy and fun for our members in early March , as Doug’s Dojang ticked over 22 years in martial arts and fitness. Games, gifts and learning all came together in a wonderful week-long celebration of our club culture.
When your heart is local, what matters most is supporting each other. Thank you for being with us, CQ families, businesses and friends. We can’t wait to share more with you as Doug’s Dojang continues moving forward.
Preseason with the Roos
I've kicked off an exciting 2024 with some pre-season training for the Frenchville Roos. These sessions are designed to bring out the best in every player and in turn create the best team possible. Players got busy with high-intensity, unpredictable cardio and strengthening work for the legs and abs. This kind of workout allows players to improve their fitness as well as appreciate the importance of individual contributions to team goals.
It's great to see where the club is heading, with plenty of energy and a strong culture to strive for success. I've got green in my blood - go the Roos!
NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES
It's been a really busy month at Doug's Dojang! During November, we've welcomed new members into the club; Mr Swain travelled to Brisbane to officiate at the Queensland Cup run by the SSCQLD Taekwondo Incorporation; and a club grading took place with around 20 people moving through the ranks to their new belt levels. We've also taken opportunities to reinforce the quality of teaching through attendance at the International Do Course and an exciting seminar on step-sparring delivered online by Master Steckiewicz from Vietnam. There is certainly no shortage of activities and opportunities to keep growing and learning in Taekwon-do.
OCtober Seminar
Grand Master Daher returned to Rockhampton in October, accompanied by black belts and Australian representatives Paul Wehbe and Matthew Travieso. The seminar was attended by around 50 people and it was fantastic to see a blend of old and new faces. The seminar lived up to expectations with high-energy sparring drills and a quadruple board break sequence by Grand Master Daher.
SESSIONS @ Skippy's
Lovely to be invited back by Skippy's Early Learning - Gracemere for follow-up sessions in the RFF series (respect, fun & fitness). With ages from 4-12, these sessions are always high spirited. It was great to see smiles and good manners shown by all. These classes are aimed at showing everyone how to burn energy, but just as importantly, how to balance that with quiet time. We build a stronger future for our Central Queensland region when we build strong kids who respect themselves and those around them. Thank you to the Skippy's team!
MoBILE DOJANG NOW AVAILABLE
From September, Doug now has a mobile dojang! This set-up allows Doug to bring equipment and safety flooring to our regular training sessions, as well as the ability to travel to deliver self-defence, fitness and empowerment across school groups, workplace training, staff retreats and more.
Please contact Doug for his availability in Central Queensland over coming months.
SPARRING & FUNDAMENTALS SEMINAR
Grand Master Daher returned to Rockhampton again in August to share his Taekwon-do knowledge and energy with us, through a seminar focussed on sparring and fundamentals. Open to practitioners of all ages and ranks, it was a great day for clubs from across Central and Northern Queensland to come together and enjoy fun, fitness and respect through martial arts.
ITF National Championships
On 12-13 August, we enjoyed a professional and well-supported weekend of Taekwon-do with practitioners from around Australia, at the 2023 ITF National Championships. A highlight on Day 1 was watching the skillful and energetic contest between Adam Purser (Ultimate Taekwondo) and Daniel Sarkis (Il Shim Sydney) in the final of the men's repechage sparring. On Day 2, Doug's Dojang senior belt Susan Kinnear won a gold medal in power breaking and three silvers.
SYDNEY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
In July, Doug headed down to Sydney for another round of specific instructor training hosted by Grand Master Daher. With five presenters over two days, it was a chance to spend time with some great people and an excellent learning experience. Experts sharing their knowledge included Taekwon-do Grand Master Michael Daher, Dave Diggle of Smart Mind, sport and exercise chiropractor Lorenzo Capagna, world champion boxer Neilson Toione and head of umpiring for ITF Australia, Mr Trevor McIntyre.
New TRainiNG LOCATION!
Doug's Dojang has expanded into a new training location, with weeknight sessions now operating from Bauhinia House. This new venue offers the convenience of a larger facility to cater for our growing club, in a very central North Rockhampton location with easy parking available. The club will also continue to operate from St David's Hall on Saturday afternoons - just a few blocks away on Simpson Street. We'd love to welcome you the either of our two locations - please come and visit!
GRAND MASTER SEMINAR
Grand Master Michael Daher visited Rockhampton on Saturday 27 May to conduct a technical seminar. This was an amazing opportunity to train with a 9th Degree Black Belt right here in Rockhampton. In this video, the Grand Master demonstrates a triple combination of high-section twisting kick board breaks. You can read more about Grand Master Daher on his personal website.
SHARING TAEKWONDO
I travelled north to Sarina on 20 May to conduct a training session with Taekwon-do practitioners, in preparation for the upcoming Grand Master Daher Seminar scheduled for 27 May.
It was a pleasure to spend time with this enthusiastic group and to enjoy General Choi's martial art together.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
On 20 March I delivered a self-defence and awareness session to parishioners from the All Saints community. Doug's Dojang has had a long relationship with this group over the past 20 years. It was a pleasure to empower them with skills in personal safety, as well to support their fundraising efforts. All proceeds were donated to the Cancer Council and the feedback from participants was very positive. This is the kind of community activity that I am proud to promote and teach through General Choi's martial art of Taekwon-do.
Grading CONGRATULATIONS
During a recent trip to Sydney in March 2023, it was a pleasure to witness the grading of Mr Paul Wehbe, who was successfully promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt by Grand Master Michael Daher. Our art is in fine hands with people of this quality progressing through the ranks.