Local Sports Star nominee Hamza Jubran uses his martial arts skills to motivate students
Hamza Jubran has the remarkable honour of being Jordanian and Australian champion and is now channelling his skills to make stars out of his martial arts students.
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Hamza Jubran, who has represented Australia and Jordan in taekwondo, is now helping local youth reach their potential.
The Bankstown local was chosen to represent Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics but could not make it due to an injury, a massive setback he has taken in his stride.
Jubran, 35, is this week’s nominee for the Service to Sport Award, having helped hundreds to not only practise taekwondo but also bring out the best in them.
Jubran is a sixth dan certified black belt, having taken up the sport as a child in his native Jordan. He was Australian and NSW champion from 2003-08, having held the Jordanian junior and senior titles for several years.
“The injury which prevented me from competing at the Olympics was a long-term one,” Jubran said.
“It was my biggest disappointment but these things happen in sports.
“I train students thrice a week and several of them have successfully competed at state championships.
“I am happy to help them be successful in sport and life and always given them a goal to work for. My team is keen to achieve success in their sports.”
Francis Floresca, one of the teachers cum coaches at the school, said Jubran can bring out the best in the teams and players he trains.
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“Hamza has a knack for bringing the best out of the people around him,’ Floresca said.
“Under his leadership, Punchbowl Boys’ High School has consistently won titles in various sports such as Oztag, volleyball and basketball.
“He is highly skilled in giving both teachers and students opportunities to excel in sports.
“With his blessing as head teacher PE, two English teachers has consistently found themselves coaching winning teams in basketball and volleyball.”
Jubran also runs the Star ski program, sponsored by Bankstown Sports, at Punchbowl Boys High School. It gives disadvantaged students their first taste of snow sports.
Local Sports Stars is proudly sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park and Bankstown Sports. The categories include Inspiration, Team of Excellence and Service to Sport.
■ Nominate at localsports stars.com.au/newslocal.
Hamza Jubran’s honours include:
■ Jordan champion 1996 — 2003
■ Jordanian junior national team 1998 — 2002
■ Jordanian senior national team 1999 — 2002
■ Asian championship bronze medal
■ NSW state champion 2003 — 2008
■ Australian champion 2003 — 2008
■ Australian team 2003
■ Australian Olympic selection 2004
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