Sport
26 June, 2025
Home is where the martial art is
Martial arts could soon be just as accessible across the Wimmera Mallee as it is in Australia's major cities, one of the genre's top coaches and former athletes says.
In his role as head instructor at Buloke Taekwan-do, Phill Zdybel has launched a campaign to recruit local shires to the cause.
"I'm on a bit of mission so I'm not going to stop," Zdybel said.
"This isn’t about any one person – it’s about placing rural Victoria within the martial arts community in Australia and internationally."
Zdybel said he put out a call for interest in personal training in taekwondo, boxing/kickboxing, and strength and conditioning.
"Buloke and Yarriambiack shires are the ones embracing it," he said.
"They're establishing their presence, making themselves known and setting the foundation for something remarkable."
Zdybel said bringing his vision to fruition would be a mid-term goal.
"Just imagine, fast forward three to four years – the time it takes to earn a black belt with dedication, perseverance and ability," he said.
"Imagine a network of passionate instructors and thriving classes across rural Victoria, bringing taekwondo and martial arts to communities that may never have had the chance before.
"That’s the vision. That’s the goal.
"And the beauty of it?
"The impact extends far beyond just martial arts training – it’s about discipline, confidence and resilience shaping lives."
Zdybel said it required hard work "but the rewards will be felt for years to come".
"It’s the kind of challenge that rewards those who commit to it," he said.
"Those who embrace it will feel the benefits.
"More than just mastering techniques, it’s about personal growth, respect and the values that define taekwondo."
Zdybel said Warracknabeal had joined forces with Donald and Woomelang to become part of Buloke Taekwon-do, an affiliate of United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc, the only recognised independent national organisation representing the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in Australia.
"This initiative is bringing ITF Taekwondo to rural Victoria, bridging the gap between urban and rural access to martial arts.
"The goal?
"To inspire individuals to embrace the strength and discipline that ITF taekwondo offers."
Zdybel said although it was sometimes exhausting, he was committed to developing high-quality martial artists in north-west rural Victoria and making the art accessible to communities that had never had the opportunity to experience it before by bridging the rural-urban divide.
"It’s not just about teaching skills – it’s about empowering individuals and strengthening communities through structured training, discipline and skill-building for individuals of all ages," he said.
Zdybel is a multiple state and national taewkando champion, a seven-time world championship medallist and a seven-time Australian representative at the ITF world championships.
He coached the national taekwando team in 2018 and 2022 and was inducted into the ITF Hall of Fame in 2020 as an international ambassador for the sport.
