NewsBite

Five-year-old Kqiera is Australia’s youngest black belt

KQIERA Janny-Reynolds is Australia’s youngest black belt with the five-year-old gaining that grand honour in kukkiwon, just two years after taking to the sport.

Five-year-old Kqiera Janny-Reynolds is the youngest in Australia to become a kukkiwon black belt holder. Pictures: Justin Sanson
Five-year-old Kqiera Janny-Reynolds is the youngest in Australia to become a kukkiwon black belt holder. Pictures: Justin Sanson

KQIERA Janny-Reynolds is Australia’s youngest black belt with the five-year-old gaining that grand honour in kukkiwon, just two years after taking to the sport.

The Hills Grammar student follows in the footsteps of her brother Azaya, who became one of Australia’s youngest second dan recipients in December 2016.

Grandmaster Inchoel Yoo, Kqiera’s coach at Taewkondo World, Castle Hill, and a ninth dan black belt, said his young star is very dedicated.

Five year old Kqiera Janny-Reynolds shows her skills.
Five year old Kqiera Janny-Reynolds shows her skills.

“Kqiera stands as the youngest kukkiwon black belt holder in Australia,” Foo said.

“She has demonstrated outstanding dedication, focus and accuracy.”

Kqiera, who began martial arts when she was three years, attended the three-hour grading ceremony on November 11, being judged by three Korwan grandmasters.

“There were no exemptions or leniencies made for Kqiera’s age, she was required to demonstrate the same skills as adults,” her proud mum Camilla said.

Azaya and Kqiera Janny-Reynolds.
Azaya and Kqiera Janny-Reynolds.

“All three grandmasters commented on her focus and accuracy.

“She was required to demonstrate hand and kicking techniques, board breaking techniques and sparring with an opponent.

“We knew she would do very well with her techniques and patterns.

“She broke both her boards and to our surprise, she performed some very skilful combinations in her sparring match.”

Kqiera, Azaya and Camilla Janny-Reynolds with grandmaster Incheol Yoo.
Kqiera, Azaya and Camilla Janny-Reynolds with grandmaster Incheol Yoo.
Kqiera Janny-Reynolds in action.
Kqiera Janny-Reynolds in action.

Camilla said Kqiera has attended and attained 11 other belt levels.

“She has been involved in the leadership program requiring her to demonstrate and teach taekwondo to new white and yellow belt students be they youngsters or adults.

The application for black belt grading is made to the Kukkiwon taekwondo headquarters in Korea.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/hills-shire-times/sport/fiveyearold-kqiera-is-australias-youngest-black-belt/news-story/892774bc4e8acd18111f81c5d14b1dcd