Janine Watson has called time on her 19-year taekwondo career, competing at an international level in both kyorugi and poomsae. Watson finishes as Australia's most decorated para athlete, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the mat.
The initial officials for the team who will guide and support Australia’s National Team at the upcoming Oceania Championships have been selected, with further selections to follow.
With short notice given to Australian Taekwondo on date changes for the event and the limited timeframe left between national selections, the following appointments have been made in accordance with Australian Taekwondo’s selection policies.
National Kyorugi Senior Team
Head Coach, Mr Seokhun Lee
Team Manager, Mr Nick Sanders
Team Medical Officer, Ms Amber Bennett
National Kyorugi Junior & Cadet Team
Head Coach, Mr Ali Khalil
Team Manager, Ms Anita Tippet
National Poomsae Team
Team Manager, Mr Sam Yang
Our National Team staff Including National Performance Coach Mr Seokhun Lee and Pathway Lead Mr Ali Khalil will work together to assist the national team in its chase for medals against Oceania’s best.
The Oceania Championships will be held at the Salle Omnisports Henri Christian Helme from October 1 to 2 in Tahiti.
Australia’s leading Taekwondo athletes will fight for a place on the team at a National Selection Event at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre from August 13 to 14.
Further coaching positions are currently being advertised on the Australian Taekwondo website. Please click here to view these.
Coaches should note that a World Taekwondo Coach licence is a mandatory requirement for Kyorugi staff. Without this qualification, it will not be possible to coach at the event.
The World Taekwondo Coach Licence online courses can be found at https://worldtkd.simplycompete.com under the education category.
Janine Watson has called time on her 19-year taekwondo career, competing at an international level in both kyorugi and poomsae. Watson finishes as Australia's most decorated para athlete, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the mat.
The Australian Taekwondo night of nights celebrated its athletes, coaches, referees, clubs and volunteers at the 2026 Green Carpet Awards Gala. The night recognised the year's best performances on the mat and the people who make the sport run off it, with the two pinnacle medals going to Carmela Hartnett and Shrijana Ghising.
History has been made for Australian Para Taekwondo. Shrijana Ghising has claimed Gold at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix in Muju, Australia's first-ever Gold Medal at a World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix.
