Taekwondo team gears up for Oceania Championship in Australia
BY TONY IROGA
Athletes from the Solomon Islands taekwondo squad are intensifying preparations for the upcoming Oceania Taekwondo Championships scheduled for June this year in Australia, with training sessions now in full swing in Honiara.
Under the guidance of Joses Dudley, head coach of Dudley Taekwondo Club, athletes are undergoing rigorous daily training focused on fitness, technique, and tactical awareness.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday Mr Dudley said his squad is working to sharpen their skills in both sparring and poomsae as they prepare to compete against top fighters from across the Oceania region.
“The preparation has been consistent, with emphasis placed on discipline, endurance, and mental readiness,” Dudley said.
He believes the team has shown strong commitment and is determined to represent the country with pride on the international stage.
“The championship, sanctioned by World Taekwondo, will bring together some of the best talents in the Pacific, providing a platform for local athletes to test their abilities and gain valuable exposure,” he said.
He said for many of the athletes, this tournament marks an important step in their sporting journey, as they aim to elevate the profile of Taekwondo in the Solomon Islands and inspire more young people to take up the sport.
He also highlighted that the club continues to welcome new members, with registration open to athletes aged 7 years and above.
He said registration at the club is set at $150 for a one-year membership, making it accessible for many young athletes looking to take up the sport.
Dudley established the club in February 2016 after graduating in Law in Vanuatu, bringing his passion for Taekwondo back home to develop young talent and promote the sport at grassroots level.
He said the club looks forward to participating in the upcoming Solomon Games, where athletes will have another opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage.
“The club trains every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Honiara,” he said.
He revealed that so far, around 150 fighters have successfully graded through the belt system, reflecting the steady growth and development of the club over the years.
“In a major boost for the athletes, a Taekwondo master from South Korea the birthplace of the sport is expected to visit the club from May 10 to May 16, 2026,” he said.
He added the visit is anticipated to provide high-level training, technical guidance, and inspiration for local fighters ahead of their international commitments and will award fighters gradings.
“Taekwondo is widely recognised as a complete martial art, combining physical skill, mental discipline, and strong moral values,” he said.
He highlighted that he is also the President of the Solomon Islands Taekwondo Federation, and plays a key role in organising national programs and preparing athletes for regional and international competitions.
Dudley is a respected Taekwondo master in Honiara and a leading figure in the development of the sport in the Solomon Islands.
He said Taekwondo stands out because it offers a balanced pathway for personal growth.
“Whether for competition, fitness, or self-defence, it equips individuals with lifelong skills that extend beyond the training mat,” he said.
He said Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport, having been officially included in the Olympic Games since 2000.
This recognition highlights its global importance and structured competitive system.
Photo: Supplied
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