Griffin Dunn is modest about his achievements in martial arts.
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The softly spoken 12-year-old has earned more than 200 trophies and medals since starting taekwondo eight years ago.
But it was in October that he achieved his greatest success yet.
Dunn, in the 11 years age division, won two titles at the 2017 ISKA Australia World Cup in Sydney for clash and point sparring.
The knockout-style World Cup is open to serious competitors.
At the Sydney competition, about 1200 competitors from 12 countries fought across three days (October 20-22) with their eye on claiming a world title.
Dunn, who is a second-degree black belt, successfully battled his way through the clash and point sparring rounds, defeating his opponents to win world titles in the two disciplines.
Each of Dunn’s age groups had about 23 competitors. The youngster from Allworth, a short drive north from Karuah, was undefeated in six rounds of his disciplines to win the world titles.
He just missed the mark in continuous sparring.
It came after posting good results at competitions leading up to the World Cup including the ISKA Newcastle and Valley opens.
Michael Omay, the second in charge, or, sajangnim, at Toogee Martial Arts in Raymond Terrace, said the result was fantastic.
“We’ve had students take part in many internal and external competitions and do well,” Omay said.
“But this is the first time someone has entered the World Cup and win. And not only one, but two titles. It’s a fantastic result.”
Omay has been one of Dunn’s instructors since he first began learning taekwondo at the Raymond Terrace-based martial arts club when he was 4.
The instructor said Dunn is one of his most dedicated students.
“He rarely misses training,” Omay said. “He even trained with a broken foot, when his foot was in a moon boot.”
Dunn, who trains with the advanced adults, became a black belt in 2014. He earned his second “boome”, or degree, at the most recent grading, in September.
Dunn has now been invited to compete at the Australian title, which will be held in Sydney on November 26. He is expected to compete in the point and clash sparring events, plus sumo. Dunn was also expected to compete in a club tournament this weekend in Raymond Terrace.
Belinda and Peter Dunn said they are proud of their son’s achievements.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
