Sensei Reese Heycock knows that with confidence you can achieve almost anything.
She hopes this determination is something her martial arts students will bring to their upcoming tournaments.
The north-west teacher’s pupils are well on their way after performing well in July’s regional titles.
They’re now preparing to conquer this month’s state titles in Dandenong before next year’s Go-Kan-Ryu Karate World Cup in Sydney.
More than 20 of Heycock’s students from across the western suburbs competed in the regionals and she says she’s proud of their efforts, with many of them bringing home medals.
Melton mother Amanda Revell says she’s thrilled with the development of her daughters, Rochelle, 13 and Teneal, 9.
She’s promised to take them to Go-Kan-Ryu World Cup next year if they keep up their dedication to training. “We’re so very proud of them both. . .Rochelle got two gold medals and Teneal walked away with a bronze.”
In addition to training students privately, Heycock works with western suburbs schools to encourage children to learn martial arts and combat bullying through discipline and self-control. She’s studied martial arts since she was nine and credits her confidence to the ancient practice. “Through the knowledge of martial arts, it creates confidence and personally it has helped me achieve many things in my life.
“I love being able to see change for the better in my students. When you walk into the class, you are a champion, no matter what,” she says.
According to Heycock, martial arts had greatly helped a student who had lost their parent.
“They were very, very shy and since learning, they have opened up. It’s great to see that. It’s why I love it so much.”
