Trinity Taekwon-Do has again been flying the flag for Cochrane at national competitions.
Instructor and second-degree black belt Christian Blazina recently travelled to Regina for the Western Canadian Championships, put on by the International Taekwon-Do Federation over the weekend of May 13 and 14.
The 18-year-old Blazina competed in three events at the junior black belt level, taking gold medals in the patterns and sparring categories, as well as silver in the power breaking.
“My personal expectations weren’t too high going into the tournament, since my last few tournaments haven’t been the best,” Blazina admitted. “I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from it, so I was pretty surprised with the outcome.”
It was a sentiment shared by his coach Cam Macdonald who is the head Trinity instructor and a fifth-degree black belt.
“I knew he’d do well, but I didn’t put expectations too high,” Macdonald said. “He’s our club’s most avid competitor, so he trains harder than anyone else. Three medals in three events is fantastic.”
Despite Blazina’s success and competitive nature, he isn’t just in the sport to compete and better himself, but to also help others reach his level by heading the club’s youth (L’il Kickers) program.
“When I started out, this was just a hobby, but when I got up to higher belts I started teaching more and bumping up the seriousness of my training,” he said. “I love to do it all, there isn’t any focus on just competing or teaching.”
Macdonald, who has taught Blazina for close to 10 years, has been impressed with his young protégé’s all-around approach to the club.
“He’s done a fantastic job with the l’il kickers over the last couple years,” Macdonald said. “I’m as equally impressed with his teaching as his competitive nature.
“He’s got a great future ahead.”
