The Koryo Taekwondo Centre's competitors impressed at the Victorian State Championships.
Koryo Taekwondo Centre head instructor Sammy Rachele has paid tribute to the “incredible” efforts of his Poomsae fledglings after their domination at the 2026 Victorian State Championships.
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The emerging prospects from the Goulburn Valley continue to reinforce the region’s reputation of a true hotbed of talent in the world of combat sports, with their latest exploits coming down in Melbourne on August 23.
After making the 200km trip to Parkville Stadium, the Shepparton contingent made a major impression - with Commonwealth Championships gold medallist Rachele leading the way for his proteges.
The eight-time national champion earned three golds and a silver at the event, to set the tone for an all-conquering showing from his disciples in the state capital.
Pitting their wits against the very best from throughout Victoria, Darcy Jackson took gold, as Seneesa Mabarana and Molly Bohm earned silver medals each.
Sammy Rachele led his young athletes down in Parkville.
In the para competition, Koryo’s Brendon Leeder claimed three gold medals, as Damon Vasterink clinched two golds and a silver, while Brodie Fitzgerald brought home a gold medal, alongside two silvers.
In addition, Allena Nigro put in a proud showing of her own in the Dojang, coming away with two silvers and a bronze.
Alongside adding more honours to their burgeoning collections, their respective successes in Parkville mean that the youngsters have also qualified to compete at the National Championships in Canberra in October.
Reflecting on a memorable trip to Melbourne, Rachele’s pride was palpable as he saw the hard work of his athletes come to fruition.
“It was a big team effort and to see everyone who competed (from Koryo) come away with a medal was great,” he said.
“My daughter, Isabella, came down with us to help coach, and all of the family members came down with the kids so that was really good.”
Their efforts were the realisation of months of work from the athletes and coaches at pathways training in Melbourne, with the contingent from Shepparton having already achieved success at the International Camp on the Gold Coast earlier this year.
“You work hard towards the State Championships because it’s one of the most important ones,” Rachele said.
“Without competing in that, they can’t go through to the Nationals so we’ve been working on that pretty much all year.
“We’re now all looking forward to a road trip up to Canberra in October!”
Koryo Taekwondo Centre coach Gus Thiel proved to be an unsung hero at the Championships, with Rachele noting that he was indispensable to what proved to be a staggering collective effort.
“I couldn’t have done it without him,” the latter said, before explaining his own approach to coaching the youngsters he has taken under his wing.
“It’s all about leading the way for the kids, my Grand Master always said ‘if you’re going to want the kids to compete, you’ve got to get on the floor and show them how to do it’.
“I love doing it, it keeps me fit, strong and pushing to do better.”
The youngsters were also supported by Isabella Rachele, daughter of Sammy, who was on hand throughout the Championships.
Isabella Rachele accompanied the young athletes down in Melbourne.
“She’s a school teacher and is really good with the kids, she did a great job - we love having her here,” her father said.
Now, the attention of coaches down at Koryo Taekwondo Centre will turn to preparing their roster of competitors for the Nationals.
With Rachele set to travel to Chuncheon, South Korea to take part in the World Championships in September, he will temporarily hand over coaching responsibilities to his trusted group of instructors ahead of the Nationals.
“There’s a big couple of months coming up, but I will handball the responsibility to the coaches and the black belts in Shepparton to look after the kids while I’m away,” he added.
“Then when I get back, it’ll be a case of getting everyone ready (for the Nationals) - including myself!”
