It's been a busy and exciting year for Australian Taekwondo, with many important initiatives and events delivered for our members. 

Australian Taekwondo has continued to focus on transforming its governance and policies to be of global sports standards and providing its clubs, members and stakeholders with structure, process, and frameworks. We were incredibly pleased to be recognised by World Taekwondo as one of six leading Member National Associations for best practice governance after receiving an A1 rating in the world body's governance review of 213 International Federations. 

We welcomed our fellow Member National Associations (MNAs) in Australia for the Oceania Open Championship, World Taekwondo President's Cup (Oceania), and the Australian Open for several successful events and the exciting return of G-ranked events to our shores.

Australian athletes shone on the world stage, with Leon Sejranvoic earning a bronze medal at the Senior World Championships, followed by outstanding performances from our Cadet squad in Sarajevo and standout achievements by Kerim Yilmaz, Leonardo Angell, and Akon Baak. Bayley Lewis then followed with a bronze at the Paris Grand Prix, and Team Australia placed second at the Seoul 2023 World Cup Team Championships Series. These are only a handful of the incredible performances from our members this year. 

Australian Taekwondo successfully conducted two Kukkiwon International Master Courses and Poom/Dan Examiners Courses in Sydney and Melbourne. These courses were immensely popular among members and non-members. These courses offer professional development to enhance the skills and unify Taekwondo techniques worldwide, providing our members with a rare opportunity to access a Kukkiwon Diploma course in Australia. I'd like to thank our Chair, Hugh Eagling, who invested significant time and effort in supporting me in organising and negotiating our Kukkiwon courses this year. 

We rounded out the year with a successful Australian Taekwondo Nationals Championships in Perth, which was complimented by our National Awards Dinner and the presentation of the Lauren Burns Medal, and Australian Taekwondo crowned the leading Member National Association in diversity, equity and inclusion at the recent World Taekwondo 2023 Gala Awards in Manchester.

As we look to 2024, I encourage your club to affiliate with the national body and work with us to continue to build a happy, healthy, inclusive, and successful nation through Taekwondo. Your investment ensures the sustainability of a flourishing Taekwondo ecosystem that blends ancient traditions with contemporary perspectives to benefit present and future generations. 

I extend my thanks and gratitude to all our athletes, coaches, referees, and judges for their commitment, together with our clubs, for their support of Australian Taekwondo. I hope 2023 has been a rewarding and prosperous year for you. 

Lastly, I'd like to express my appreciation to my fellow board members for their support this year, as well as acknowledge the efforts and commitment of our executive team. Australian Taekwondo is in an excellent position, and the future holds incredible promise.

Yours Sincerely
Jean Kfoury, President