Australian Taekwondo (AUSTKD) is entering a bustling phase characterized by efforts to host major international events and the strengthening of robust domestic development programs as the country prepares to host the Presidents Cup – Oceania (G3) and the Australian Open (G2).
Recently, Oceania Taekwondo Union’s (OTU) Secretary General Stuart Lee met with Australian Taekwondo’s (AUSTKD) CEO Josh O’Brien to talk about the essential arrangements for the forthcoming tournaments. Both the Presidents Cup and the Australian Open are set to occur on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 14-17 August. After the meeting, OTU’s SG stressed the significance of the collaboration between the two organizations in executing these prominent international events.
Meanwhile, Australian Taekwondo has been making notable progress in its domestic programs, as underscored in a recent speech by AUSTKD president Jean Kfoury. The first quarter of 2025 has witnessed the reinforcement of its team with the recruitment of three new staff members to the Community Department.
Nic Martiniello, who previously worked with Capital Football, will now manage the Sporting Schools program, coach and referee education, along with the execution of participation initiatives under AUSTKD’s PlayWell plan.
Aidan Gunning has arrived from Cricket ACT as the National Engagement Officer, acting as the main contact for the public, delivering administrative assistance to member clubs, overseeing social media and communication, and supporting event management.
Nic Kaiser, the ex-CEO of Volleyball ACT, has assumed the position of Head of Community, offering leadership across membership, governance, participation, and events.
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Further enhancing the development structure, Dongmin Cha has been appointed as the National Development Coach through the Kukkiwon Global Dispatch Program, concentrating on programs from grassroots levels to the National Pathways Program, aiding the advancement of Taekwondo throughout the broader Oceania region.
Additionally, Ali Khalil has made his return to Australian Taekwondo as the Performance Pathway Lead, tasked with planning, coordinating, and implementing the Performance Pathway Program, with a focus on athlete and coach development, training and competition opportunities, and technical enhancement in collaboration with CombatAUS.
The AUSTKD president also recognized the strong backing from the Taekwondo community, with 219 affiliated clubs renewing their membership in the first quarter of 2025, along with 10 new clubs becoming part of the organization, ensuring the ongoing growth and sustainability of taekwondo in Australia.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 12 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” blog to share his knowledge and experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.
Need any help, contact Ehatasamul Alom.