Team Queensland Technical Poomsae Players were invited to participate in the 2010 New South Wales Winter Open Poomsae Competition, which was held at the Olympic State Sports Centre, Homebush Bay, Sydney on Sunday, August 1, 2010. A total of 7 Poomsae Players participated in Individual Traditional Poomsae, with two of those participating in Individual Creative Poomsae to Music. Please find below listing of Competition Results:

• Stephen Kakakios (1st Dan Black Belt Male – 14 to 17 years)

• Silver Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Petra Kakakios (1st Dan Black Belt Female – 14 to 17 years)

• Silver Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Mercedes Hannam (2nd Gup Female – 6 to 7 years)

• Gold Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Gold Medal – Individual Creative Poomsae to Music

• John Kakakios (1st Gup Male – 10 to 11 years)

• Gold Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Michael Kakakios (1st Dan Male – 12 to 13 years)

• Gold Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Solomon Hannam (1st Dan Male – 8 to 9 years)

• Gold Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

• Gold Medal – Individual Creative Poomsae to Music

• Benjamin Flinn (4th Dan Male – 18 to 30 years)

• Gold Medal – Individual Traditional Poomsae

As summarised above, Taekwondo Queensland contested 9 Technical Events, with an overall Medal Tally of 7 Gold and 2 Silver Medals. This result was outstanding, and I would like to congratulate the above Team Queensland Members for their efforts and professional attitude.

For all participants, the day commenced with a 15 minute warm-up session and 30 minute session of Poomsae Application Drills. As Queensland Poomsae Coach, I emphasised the importance of Poomsae Presentation to all athletes, as well as the speed and effectiveness of all techniques performed. I believe that these traits provided Queensland with a distinct advantage throughout the competition.

Throughout the Poomsae Competition, I received many positive comments and feedback from Australia Poomsae Head Coach, Master Hyung-Kook Kang. He commended the professionalism of all QLD Athletes and personally thanked Taekwondo Queensland for sending Technical Players to the 2010 NSW Winter Open.

In addition, after thorough discussions with Master Kang, I confirmed that he would love to travel to QLD prior to the Nationals if time permits. The Queensland Technical Committee would invite Master Kang for one weekend in September to train with the State Poomsae Squad and High Performance Players.