joshua hoo
2nd poom | november 2023

Good afternoon Masters and all,

In 2020 after receiving my Poom 1, I continued attending taekwondo lessons online due to COVID-19 lockdown. When we resumed face to face classes in 2021, I was so excited to see my Masters and friends again.

I was very pleased with my achievements at Gold Coast Open. But the loss to Antonino in Victorian Championships motivated me to train harder for future competitions.

2022 was an eventful year; many training classes and competitions including my first international Oceania Online Poomsae Championships which I came in 2nd place. Thanks to Master Brian for going over every little detail in the execution of my patterns 6 & 8.

I enjoyed learning advanced techniques during my taekwondo classes. I constantly reminded myself to work hard during FAST training as I recognized the importance of having stamina to do well in sparring. Sparring warrior classes are still my number 1 favourite. I recalled having blisters during classes and Master Benecia taped my feet so it wouldn’t hurt as much. Thank you, Master Benecia!

I am proud that I won the 34-38kg category in National at Bendigo. I fought 4 matches and had a tough fight against Antonino in the final. I recalled throwing non-stop kicks at Antonino in the final 3rd round which helped me to score several points; I supposed our speed kicking training was helpful! Thanks to Master Bryanna for coaching and ‘screaming at me all the way and that’s how I won all the way’! Sorry you lost your voice because of me. Our club came in 10th place in National, hooray!

I’m honoured to be awarded ‘Fighter of the Year’ award. I am thankful and would like to recognize Masters Bryanna and Benecia for their guidance, patience, encouragement, and every effort to make me a better fighter. Achievements in sparring is still the most rewarding to me.

2023 is a year of struggle for me. It’s my first year as a Cadet. I started training for head kicks, and it was very challenging, but I got better along the way. I was afraid of sparring with someone bigger built than me like Daniel and Keenan. But I understand it benefits me to spar with bigger boys during trainings.

My sad journey in my first Cadet year started when I fought against Lucas Frost at the Gold Coast Open. I was kicked so hard that I flew off the court. Then, I was simply demolished by Kerim’s aggression at the Victorian Championships. Then, Master Bryanna had to make the call to stop the fight at the Sydney Festival Taekwondo because I was in so much pain. After the match, Master Benecia piggy backed me to get my bronze medal which I am grateful for.

During 1 on 1 training class, Masters Bryanna and Benecia taught me new sparring techniques and how to hold my ground. I hope to toughen up overtime and be able to manage my fights better soon.

Master Joyce is the big brain organizing training schedules, and all logistics including finding suitable hotels to gather for meals after our competitions. I appreciate your behind the scenes planning and hard work. Thank you, Master Joyce.

In September I injured myself at Knox and had a few stitches on my right knee. Thank you for checking on my recovery progress. I am so happy that I recovered in time to compete in this year National. Although I didn’t win in WT Poomsae and sparring. Hooray! I got a bronze medal for my individual Poomsae and our club came in first place.

I hope that 2023 is a year of transition for me, and a year to prepare me better for 2024. I am determined to work harder and see more breakthroughs in my taekwondo journey.

I’ve also found wonderful and nice friends in my taekwondo classes, and no doubt we shall continue supporting each other during classes and cheering for one another during competitions. Thank you mates!

​I still love you all - Master Brian, Master Joyce, Master Bryanna and Master Benecia!