Benjamin Robertson, 16, became a State Champion a month ago and last week became a National Kickboxing Champion in Continuous Sparring.

He also came second in Kick Lite.

The World Association of Kickboxing Organisation (WACO) National Championships were held at Olympic Park Homebush on May 15 and as a result of winning the continuous sparring  Robertson has been invited to the World Junior Championships in Ireland this August if he can raise the money to get there.

This is a big achievement and the young Trinity Catholic College student is hoping to realise this dream.

His martial arts journey started a couple of years back when he was a very quiet young person and was being bullied at school.

“I took up taekwondo to boost my self confidence not really because I wanted to fight back but to know what to do to defend myself,” Robertson said.

“My teacher Craig Harmer, at the PCYC, is very good with young people who do not have much confidence like me. Through the training and discipline he helped to develop my confidence. Two years ago I would not have had the confidence to be interviewed like this.

“They (Harmer, Joel Downey-Cave and other senior instructors) introduced me to kickboxing and I found I had a natural ability for it. I really enjoy it.

“I still do taekwondo as well as kickboxing. My family has encouraged me to keep going with both and I would like to thank the International Taekwondo Federation for the opportunities it provides for young people like me to gain self confidence and overcome their fears.

“I am hoping to get sponsorship from someone or several sources to help me take my sport to the next level and travel to Ireland to compete in the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations World Junior Championships.”