If you can believe it, though, the biggest annual fixtures in Koryo’s sights are still yet to come this year.
In a remarkably busy 2024 to date, Rachele and his disciplined charges have eyes on the national championships in Queensland in November and plenty more between now and then.
“We’ve got the Hall’s Open Championships this weekend in sparring at the Melbourne Sports Centre and then we’ve got Victorian state selections on September 3,” Rachele said.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to have three or even four kids go over after getting their classifications.
“If we can get the funding, then hopefully we can get them up to nationals before the end of the year up north.
“The biggest events by far are the President’s Cup, Oceanic meets and then nationals and if we can keep pushing the way that we’re pushing, the kids are going to develop really well.”
Rachele’s tutelage certainly seems to lend its share of nitrous oxide to this high-powered vehicle.
This is no time to slow down, either, and not just because of the stature of the aforementioned upcoming events, but the exposure and reps they bring to himself and his disciples.
“This has been a particularly busy time, but we haven’t stepped back from any of the competitions just because they’re not compulsory,” Rachele said.
“You can choose not to go, but I made a decision to give the best experience. In any sport, you practice during the week and then play the weekend, but you used to get maybe three or four comps a year in taekwondo.
“This year, we’re trying to make it as busy as we can to give them that experience.
“I’ve had some kids who have come through and really wanted to push it; it’s not an easy sport and I’m giving opportunities to those who really want to do it.”
There’s already reason to celebrate with one of their own, though, with fellow trainer George Moutafis earning fourth dan black belt status — and a host of new permissions in the process.
“It’s a pretty big milestone to get after so many years,” Rachele said.
“It means you’re able to be at a level where you’re a master instructor. You can take over some kids and run your own school, so he doesn’t need to do it under anyone else anymore if he chooses.
“He’s already running GV Functional Fitness in Mooroopna with taekwondo on Thursday nights; it’s a big thing for anyone to achieve.”
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