Qualicum Bevery martial artist Matteo Bennett will get a gpreviousen alternative to compete on An monumental stage when he heads to Costa Rica for the Pan American Junior and Cadet Taekgaineddo Championships starting June 29.
The Cascadia Martial Arts (Parksville) scholar will compete as a member of the Canadian cadet group.
“I am actually excited to go,” said Bennett, who earned a spot on the nationwide group when he gained gprevious in his first Canadian Taekgaineddo Championships held in Toronto final Might. “I am blown away as a Outcome of this all occurred so quick. I am wanting forward to sparring in my age group and weight division. It’s going to be An excellent expertise.”
The Grade 8 scholar at Kwalikum Secondary has been working exhausting for Greater than a month to get in preventing type. He’s been Understanding beneath the steerage of Cascadia instructors Dustin and Brett Payment.
“I even have been teaching Tons extra sturdy and my coaches are Making sure I don’t get harm,” Bennett said. “Typically I do really feel nervous simply Eager about it however I am assured I am going to do properly.”
Study MORE: Parksville’s Cascadia Martial Arts squad collects medals at Canadian taekgaineddo event
Bennett has Even been travelling to Vancouver To tevery with completely different members of the Canadian group.
“It’s loopy simply being there,” said Bennett. “I am so excited And in addition nervous On The identical time. To get The prospect To tevery with A pair of of Definitely one of the biggest was superior.”
The 13-yr-previous said he savoured the expertise and has absorbed intypeation that has assisted him enhance his type.
“Definitely one of them is ‘don’t lose focus,’” said Bennett. “I’ve carried out that In a single of my matches and caught two kicks Inside The prime. It wasn’t nice. But I found.”
Bennett has been in taekgaineddo since he was six yrs previous.
“I simply fell in love with it,” said Bennett. “I like That you merely actually Want to work exhausting To understand the goals That You actually need. It’s pretty a practice, too. I get A lot of practice doing it. I am pretty drained after every class. The cardio Might be The hardest An factor of it. You only Have To Carry on going particularly all by way of matches. It’s nice.”
To get the probability to compete at A world stage has impressed Bennett.
“I need To Wind up to be a fourth dan blackbelt And maybe get The prospect to go to the Olympics,” said Bennett. “Which Might Even be loopy. I might additionally Want to go to the world championships in Bulgaria. Which Might Even be A very good expertise for me.”
Bennett will depart for Costa Rica on Sunday. He thanked his assist group at Cascadia And residential for serving to him put together for the rivals.
“I couldn’t have gotten this far with out them,” he said.
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