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Post by Jakob Dinning-Staker | July 7, 2026
Earning the rank: Jakob celebrating his achievement of the Junior Black Belt after a decade of continuous effort.
For 10 years, I have been training at World Taekwondo since I was 4 years old. Now, at 14, I have finally achieved my Junior Black Belt.
My first class was at Sturt Street Community School with Instructor Cory and the late Instructor Jozef. I was unsure at the time, but this experience would shape my journey.
"You cannot buy a Black Belt; it is earned through dedication and persistence."
Where it all began: Jakob during his early years training in the Kids Taekwondo program.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sturt Street centre was closed. I then moved to Westbourne Park Memorial Hall, where I trained with Instructor Patrick, Instructor Mark, and occasionally Grand Master Wahid Halimee.
At the red belt with five black stripes level, I changed schools after moving house. I was encouraged to train at St. Peter's East Adelaide School, where I was reintroduced to Senior Instructor Peter. He assisted me during my first board-breaking seminar at the green belt level. Training there led to significant improvement, and I soon applied for my Black Belt Test.
Technical precision: Jakob executing an outstanding leaping kick on the floor.
As training intensified over the months, I felt ready for the test. On the day of the Black Belt test, I was excited and nervous. During the test, I remained extremely focused and determined to perform at my peak. My extensive mental and physical preparation helped me stay composed. The test pushed me to use all my strength, power, and knowledge.
When Grand Master Wahid Halimee called out my name during the results, I could not have been prouder of myself.
World Taekwondo has helped me in many ways. For example, during the 2023 sports day event, the year sixes competed in the 1500m run. Using my physical skills, endurance, and the positive mindset from World Taekwondo, I overcame the pain barriers associated with long-distance running and achieved 3rd place.
I also apply the discipline learned in World Taekwondo to listen to my teachers with full attention and to show respect to my peers. World Taekwondo has instilled in me the principle of taking action, so whenever I have a task, I complete it as quickly and accurately as possible. It has given me the confidence to tackle various life experiences.
World Taekwondo has taught me essential life skills such as discipline, respect, confidence, routine, perseverance, reliability, and the importance of pushing myself and not giving up.
I would like to dedicate this achievement to my Mum, who has raised me as a single parent.
She has supported, encouraged, and helped me throughout my years in World Taekwondo, even during tough times when I didn’t want to continue. My Mum encourages and guides me to be the best person I can be; without her love, support, and dedication, I would not be here today. I also want to thank everyone I’ve met along the way who has contributed to my growth.
For more information regarding junior programs and traditional training pathways, explore worldtaekwondo.com.au.
Our Instructor Leadership Program (ILP) ensures that excellence is passed down through every generation of black belts.
