Susanna Freymark
Two students recently received promotions at the Rhee TaeKwonDo – Northern Rivers class in Casino.
Instructor Sabum Mitchell Dowse runs classes in Casino, Lismore and Coraki.
“We have a once a term action night where students demonstrate their development and where promotions occur,” Mitchell said.
“Promotions are based on technique which is demonstrated through board breaking, pattern knowledge, excellence in sparring as well as character development (such as focus, attitude).”
Precious Torrens, 14, from Casino was promoted to Junior Black Belt.
Precious joined with a cohort of extended family in 2024 and is the first among them to achieve a junior black belt.
“She has developed a calmness and patience in waiting for the right moment and combined with powerful technique, this has allowed her to excel,” Mitchell said.
Mary Torrens-Bell was proud of her granddaughter’s achievement.
“Our granddaughter became the first of our grandchildren to earn her black belt after a little over two years of Taekwondo, and I don’t think she will fully understand yet just how proud Pop and I are of her,” Mary said.
“That belt represents more than Taekwondo to us. It represents consistency, determination and a young person learning that if you keep turning up and putting in the work, eventually you will see the results.
“This is how we build the next generation — one child, one commitment and one achievement at a time.”
Georgia Hartley, 14 was promoted to junior instructor.
“Georgia started training in 2023 where she quickly showed an aptitude for technique,” Mitchell said.
Georgia rose through the ranks to achieve her Junior Black Belt in 2025.
Since then, she has continued to develop her confidence and leadership skills and has just achieved rank of junior instructor.
“From here she’ll continue to lead and inspire fellow students while continuing her own progression with her next goal of junior 1st dan,” Mitchell said.