On the 23^rd December, 2006 Sue Joarder of the Caringbah Dojang attempted her 2^nd Degree Black Belt Examination. The AFTA 2^nd Degree Black Belt Examination requirements remain the same as when they were set down in 1984, and it is regarded as the most physical of the AFTA Black Belt Gradings and one of the most difficult Tae Kwon-Do Black Belt Examinations in Australia. This examination includes all patterns from White Belt through to and including 1^st Degree Black Belt, all set sparring, multiple unarmed and armed self defence, advanced power breaking, bag drills, contact sparring, multiple attacker sparring and high count calisthenics, with only the fittest, most determined and focused Black Belts permitted to attempt this examination.

Sue excelled throughout her examination, showing a focused pattern demonstration, an outstanding display of self defence skills, and excellent fitness and determination through her bag work, sparring and callisthenic sections of her examination, resulting in her promotion to 2^nd Degree Black Belt. Congratulations Sue on a well earnt and much deserved promotion!

On Saturday 23rd of December, 2006 Jonathon Speer attempted his 1^st Degree Black Belt Grading at the Caringbah Dojang. The AFTA 1^st Degree Black Belt Examination is a long and difficult test in itself, and for a young man to undertake this challenge by himself is a truly awesome feat. In all aspects of Jonathon’s examination he was required to face Black Belts, and rise to the task of defending himself and countering against their attacks. Jonathon demonstrated excellent martial sprit, focus, technique, power, and determination during his examination and we are very proud of his promotion to 1^st Degree Black Belt. Congratulations Jonathon!

The 22nd December saw the very last Tae Kwon-Do class held at Caringbah Dojang located in Lilli Pilli, which also incorporated the Annual 2006 Presentation Night. Congratulations to all students on a very exciting and “action packed” 2006, and especially those who received trophies for outstanding performance. Special congratulations to Matthew Speer (Juniors) and Sarah Kemp (Seniors) for receiving the 2006 Instructors Award, and Tim Ibragimova (Juniors) and Josh Briggs (Seniors) for receiving the 2006 Black Belt Award. A special thank you to Adam, Kelly, Phil, and Jonathon for assisting with Caringbah Dojang during 2006! See you all in 2007 for more action!

The 21^st December saw the last Tae Kwon-Do class held at Bankstown for 2006, which also incorporated the Annual 2006 Presentation Night. Congratulations to all students on a very exciting 2006, and especially those who received trophies for outstanding performance. A special congratulations to Stephen Stelmach for receiving the 2006 Instructors Award and Emma Swan for receiving the 2006 Black Belt Award, and a very big thank you to Kelly for a fantastic 2006 at the Bankstown Dojang. Have a great Christmas and see you all in 2007!

The last combined Coloured Belt Grading examination for the Caringbah and Sutherland Dojangs was conducted at the Caringbah Dojang on the 20^th December, 2006. This examination also hosted quite a large contingent of White Belt students attempting their first examination in Tae Kwon-Do, and all performed exceptionally well. There was also many Senior Belts attempting this examination, with all showing supreme fitness, technique and stamina in the steamy Sydney summer conditions. During this Grading Examination Samuel Kemp, Drew Sheidl and Matthew Speer all attempted their 1^st Grade (Black Tip) examination, and even though the night was long and hot, all three powered through their test with excellent technique, impressive breaking and strong forms to be promoted to 1^st Grade (Black Tip). Congratulations!

On the 19^th December, Bankstown Dojang hosted it’s final Grading Examination for 2006. This examination saw a large contingent of White Belt students perform very well in their first test. The examination also proved grueling in the summer heat for the Coloured Belt students, who all remained focused and worked hard throughout their exam despite the hot conditions. Special congratulations to Chris Bouhabib, Casey Heatley and Shaun Heatley on a very determined and technical performance, with very impressive board breaking, and their well earnt promotion to Black Tip (1^st Grade). Well done and keep up the good work to all at Bankstown!

On the 9^th December, a large group of students, parents and friends from the Caringbah, Bankstown and Sutherland Dojangs made the annual trip to Jamberoo Action Park for the AFTA Christmas Party. As always, the day was filled with fun, excitement and laugher, as young and old enjoyed the rides, slides and great atmosphere!

Thank you to all students, parents and friends who came along and made the day a great Christmas Party!

The 9^th November saw the Bankstown Dojang host it’s Break Night for all Junior and Senior students. The Junior Belt students showed great determination and technique with their striking skills, resulting in many successful breaks being performed on the night. The Senior Belt’s power breaking techniques were excellent, and a special thank you to Adam, Kelly, Phil and Kent for your advanced breaking displays. 

The 8^th November 2006 saw the combined Breaks Night for the Caringbah and Sutherland Dojangs. This Breaks Night was attended by Junior and Senior students of all ranks, and the breaking techniques performed were precise and spectacular. Well done to all who attended, with the Junior’s breaking techniques coming along very well, and a very impressive display of advanced breaks by the Senior Belts.

On the 20^th September, 2006, Caringbah hosted a Grading Examination for the Caringbah and Sutherland Dojangs. This Grading Examination proved to be long and intense, with many Junior and Senior Belts being tested in all aspects of their Tae Kwon-Do training and their sheer determination. Congratulations to all students on performing exceptionally well, and special congratulations to Sarah Kemp on her promotion to 1^st Grade (Black Tip). A special thank you for all of the Black Belts and Senior Grades who came along to help out at this Grading Examination, your time and skills are greatly appreciated.

On Saturday 29^th of July, 2006 Jake Campbell and Christopher Russo attempted their 1^st Degree Black Belt Grading. The AFTA 1^st Degree Black Belt Examination tests the student on all aspects of their Coloured Belt Tae Kwon-Do training, and includes all patterns, all set sparring, advanced self defence, power board and tile breaking, multiple bag drills, calisthenics, and sparring rounds against Black Belts. Both Jake and Chris demonstrated excellent focus, technique, power, determination and stamina during their examinations, and we are all very proud to welcome them to the Black Belt ranks of the AFTA. Well done Jake and Chris!

Bankstown Grading Examination 22 June 2006

On the 22^nd of June, Bankstown hosted a grading examination.  This night saw many students attempting their examination with everyone performing exceptionally well.  Well done and keep up the good work!

Caringbah Grading Examination 21 June 2006

On the 21^st of June, Caringbah hosted a coloured belt grading examination.  This was a highly physical examination pushing everyone to their limits.  All students performed exceptionally well achieving fantastic results.

Power Breaking Night 15 June 2006

Bankstown hosted a power breaking night on Thursday 15^th June.  This was the first time many junior students practiced breaking technique with many successful breaks being performed.   Well done to all students who broke and thank you to all Black Belts and Senior Grades for your help on the night.

Power Breaking Night 14^th June 2006

Caringbah hosted a power breaking night on Wednesday 14^th June for Caringbah and Sutherland Dojangs.  The standard of the technique was excellent with many boards being broken on the night.  Well done to all students who broke and thank you to all Black Belts and Senior Grades for your help on the night.

April 2006 saw our first grading examination for the year.  It was held at Caringbah and was a combined grading for the Caringbah, Bankstown and Sutherland Dojangs.  This grading was very technical and all students were required to demonstrate their techniques dependant on their belt rank.  All students displayed great determination and ability, and this was reflected in the fantastic grading results for the day. 

On the 13^th of March Caringbah Dojang was pleased to have Shihan Greg Butcher from Lion Ju Jutsu conduct a seminar in traditional Bokken training (wooden sword). This seminar included stances, blocking and cutting techniques and was a great experience for all.  A special Thank You to Shihan Greg Butcher and his students for an exciting night.

On the 8^th March 2006 Mr Adam Taylor conducted a Bo Seminar (staff) for students of the Caringbah, Bankstown & Sutherland Dojangs.  The seminar covered Bo etiquette, stances, striking and blocking and everyone enjoyed the night.

On Saturday 17^th December 2005, Adam Taylor attempted and was successful in his 4^th Degree Black Belt Examination.  His examination included all areas of his training including Patterns, Set Sparring, Self Defence, Power Breaking, Free Sparring and Calisthenics.  A fantastic display of skill, technique and focus was demonstrated by Mr Taylor and on achieving 4^th Degree Black Belt he was also promoted to Chief Instructor of the Sydney Region of the AFTA.

The December Grading Examination was held at the Caringbah Dojang. This examination proved to be very physically demanding, due to the heat. All students displayed excellent kicking ability and strong basic and pattern skills, as well as outstanding determination and fitness. This Grading Examination also resulted in another student’s well deserved promotion to 1^st Grade Black Tip. Congratulations to all on an outstanding effort in very demanding conditions!

Saturday 26^th November proved to be a beautiful warm summer day for our annual AFTA Christmas Party at Jamberoo Recreation Park. Students, parents and friends from the Caringbah, Bankstown and Sutherland Dojangs all gathered for a fantastic day.

Thank you to all of the students, parents and friends who all contributed in making this day loads of fun and a great success!

The September Grading Examinations proved to be very exciting and successful, with many 10^th Grade White Belts sitting for their first examination both at Caringbah and Bankstown Dojangs. The Caringbah examination proved to be very technical, with excellent results including two well earned promotions to 1^st Grade Black Tip. The Bankstown grading also proved to be a “huge” success, being the largest examination at Bankstown for many years. All students displayed high standard, good martial spirit and focus during their examinations. Congratulations!

On Friday 3rd June 2005, many AFTA students attempted Power Breaking - some for the first time!  Well done to all of those students who attended and broke successfully. Thank you to the Black Belts and students who were a great help with holding boards.  Keep up the good work!

Congratulations to all of the students who attempted their Grading Examination in April 2005 at the Bankstown Dojang.  An excellent effort and technical standard was displayed by all and thank you to all Black Belts and students who were able to attend and assist on the day! Good job with great results!

Congratulations to the AFTA Tournament Team on their performance at the 2005 Sydney Junior Games.  All competitors performed extremely well some students attending their first tournament!  Well done everyone!