When we write about Our People it is always about the adults, those that have lived life and experienced its ups and downs, the good times and bad, the people who have strived to get this great nation where it is today.
But this time it’s different. This time we mainly talk with two young boys, young people who have yet to experience life with all its trials and tribulations.
To write about the youth of our community is to write about our future. In particular, when we have the pleasure of meeting young ones who, despite their years, are starting to achieve. In these discussions it becomes apparent that this has been the result of a solid family background in which attitude, self-discipline and respect for others is an everyday occurrence.
Then add to this, when their chosen sport happens to be one in which their homely virtues are, in fact, not only compulsory, but also an every-day occurrence, you will find two boys whose feet are firmly on mother earth.
One such a person is 12-year-old Daniel Svoboda, the another is 14-year-old Kayden Koh.
At present they have three similarities. One is that both are starting their education as students at Sunshine Beach State High School, another is that both are seriously dedicated pupils in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The third, which is bonding them in a youthful friendship, is that both are members of the CAZA Brazilian jiu-jitsu club.
This club, which is situated in Cooyar Street, Noosa Heads, trains and works under owner/head coach Professor Yoshi Hasegawa 3rd Dan Black Belt.
Born in Japan in 1978, Yoshi moved to California in 2003 to further his training in Jiu-Jitsu. After furthering his studies, under various sensei, he received his black belt in 2010.
Then in 2012, he was sponsored to come to Australia and teach under a franchise which lasted for five years. Following this, he opened his own gym in Noosa Junction in February 2017. Now, after nine years of training and teaching as a black belt, he proudly stands as a Black Belt 3rd Dan.
Coming from good homes, our two students Daniel and Kayden, had no problem settling into an environment that was steeped in the Japanese way of strict discipline, pride and tradition.
“In fact,” said Daniel, “I loved it, I thought it was great. I had no trouble settling in.”
Daniel who joined at seven year of age had something special. He was small, learnt quickly and seemed to concentrate on technique. Also, down through the years he developed something of a competitive spirit.
Kayden was eight when he joined and his attitude was similar to that of Daniel. He also accepted the rigid style of training. Also, his ability to learn was second to none.
Now, as a result of the years of training virtually every day, he has developed a yearning to assist in the training of new rookie students. His competitive attitude is also of the highest order.
Recently their training programs bought them in contact with Brown Belt assistant instructor Sam Morrison.
Sam, who works under the guidance of Head Coach Yoshi Hasegawa, has been very impressed with all aspects of the boy’s attitude regarding the teaching and traditions of the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
For the boys, their time with Sam can be nothing but beneficial with Sam’s training in Japan, plus the overall supervision of Yoshi, head coach, the boys are exposed to the best training any young student could wish for.
Sam’s first exposure to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came when, as a member of a university judo team, he visited in Japan and instantly became very impressed.
On returning to Australia, he immediately put things in order and returned to Japan, where he was to stay for four years.
“I worked in schools teaching English and also studying the Japanese language. When the possibility arose, I would train three hours a day learning Judo. I had become completely dedicated to the art.”
Sam is impressed with the boys.
“Both are completely dedicated and are fast learners. Their attitude to the disciplines of the art is very good.
“The fact that they come from good homes is obvious. They are always respectful to others, and despite their youth they are looking seriously toward a career in life.
“Despite their success in competition, they are definitely not big headed. They are still quiet and humble.”
It is obvious that this attitude comes as a result of their being taught the martial arts code of ethics passed down by head coach Yoshi Hasegawa.
For both Daniel and Kayden, there has been some outstanding success at various times during their competitive life. For Daniel it would have to be Los Angles 2020. Travelling with his father Michal, Daniel was entered in the Pan Kid Jiu-Jitsu Championships.
To be held in Los Angles it was one of the biggest tournaments of its kind in the world. There were 20 students of the best from various countries entered in Daniel’s division.
When the dust was settled and it was all over, our Daniel Svoboda from the Caza club in Noosa stood proud with a silver medal around his neck.
When asked about his feelings regarding the silver medal his reply was somewhat casual.
“Yeah, it was alright, it was OK.”
His father Michal answered with a laugh.
“He likes to win he doesn’t like to lose. But when I fully explained to him just what he had achieved (fighting against the world’s best) he settled down and was much happier.”
Apart from this, there has been other successes at both state and national level.
For Kayden there has also been some outstanding success. His best being in 2019 when he was entered the Pan Pacific Championships. Fighting his way through his division he reached the final and won the gold medal.
Another major achievement came in 2021 when he was entered in the national championships in Melbourne. This time he won the silver medal.
Two major finals in two years, one at international level and the other at national. These and other state and national results are achieved by outstanding dedication which sees him training three times a day for five days, when time permits.
His response was also a quiet comment.
“Yes, I am happy with what I have achieved, and I am looking forward to more success in the future.”
Both boys have a similar long-range ambition. That is to earn their Black Belt as a senior and then finally compete at international level.
With head coach Yoshi, and their present junior coach Sam guiding them through the ranks, it would seem that for this terrific two, nothing is impossible. This, plus the continued support of their proud families, makes it more of a reality.
It is indeed pleasing to know that these two boys, the Caza Jiu-Jitsu Club and the Svoboda and the Koh families are indeed- Our People.
