Heenan Taekwondo compete in National Championships

MEMBERS of the Heenan Taekwondo Wonthaggi team were invited to partake in the KTAA National Championship for 2023, with numerous competitors invited for training camp in South Korea. 

Heenan Taekwondo was originally based in Pakenham, but with local interest exceeding expectations, coach and owner Cassandra and James Heenan opened two classes in Bass Coast. 

The training sessions are run out of Wonthaggi Boxing Club in Watt Street each Friday night and a session held at the Inverloch Community Hub on Saturday mornings. 

Chloe Lawson joined Heenan at nine years old, and after receiving her black belt exactly a year ago, she has since competed in her first championship in Queensland before travelling to South Korea last week. 

Chloe entered the competition team as part of the Korean Taekwondo Association Australia and was successful in winning three gold medals in sparring, palm strike, flying sidekick, one silver in her second fight in sparring and two bronze medals for team forms and high kick. 

Chloe biggest support is her mother Melissa Luca who said she was successful in the Queensland event and competent in working her way up the tenants and of taeowna. 

“She was then invited to go to South Korea and is there for 10 days. Competing over two days and participating in the Korea Police Academy self-defence course. Overall, she’ll compete in three competitions in the 10 days,” said Melissa. 

“We are just so proud of her and so grateful to the Heenan master’s for these endless opportunities and the cultural experiences at such a young age, they are such a supportive team.”