The nationals attracted 385 registered competitors and included some from Australia.
Kevin Cale said International Taekwon-Do New Zealand was ranked highly in the international taekwon-do community so the nationals were always of a high standard.
“It is an honour to be able to attend and challenge yourself against some of the best in the world,” he said.
Gisborne Boys’ High School student Baty and Seymour each represented the midlands region in sparring and patterns.
“At 125 kilograms, sparring for two two-minute rounds is always going to require hours of behind-the-scenes fitness training,” Cale said.
“DJ did the work and got the reward, getting gold in sparring.
“Patterns are no different in terms of the hours of practice, but it’s technical accuracy that’s required to rise to the top.
“DJ put hours of practice to good use and it was silver for him.”
At the end of the competition when all the trophies had been given out, four students were awarded certificates of recognition.
“This was to recognise those who had displayed all of the tenets of taekwon-do — courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit,” Cale said.
Baty had been noticed by the officials and it was worth noting that only four received this award, Cale said.
Seymour was competing in only his second tournament, and had to step up a weight division.
“He fought so hard against much heavier and taller opponents, collecting a bronze in sparring,” Cale said.
In patterns, one small slip of the foot meant silver instead of gold for Seymour.
As first-aid official, Sally Cale was worked hard over the two days — 83 patients with everything from fractures to stubbed toes — “a huge ‘well done’ there”.
“DJ has already set his sights on representing New Zealand next year at the Taekwon-Do World Cup,” Kevin Cale said.
“This will mean more training and heaps of fundraising.”
Cale said Te Karaka’s contingent could feel proud of the high standards achieved.
