By Sara Fitzpatrick, Eastern Suburbs Reporter
AS she punches, kicks, blocks and dodges, Jessica Bonavita is breaking new ground in women’s martial arts.
The 24-year-old is one of three women in WA to become a second dan in rhee tae kwon do.
She took up the Korean martial art with her brother at age eight and now spends a lot of her spare time training and teaching in Bedford.
World master Chong Chul Rhee, known as the father of tae kwon do in Australia, asked the young athlete to become a 2nd dan in May last year.
She earned the title in November after months of preparation and a gruelling grading day involving board and tile-breaking and sparring (fighting).
Ms Bonavita said becoming a second dan was a privilege that required great discipline and commitment.
“You have to put in a lot of effort beforehand… and you have to be asked,” she said.
“Time would be a factor also.”
It took the inspiring martial artist nine years to become a first dan.
Although she admits climbing the ranks is difficult, she said it was also very rewarding and more women in WA should consider taking the challenge.
“Rhee tae kwon do is a non-competitive tae kwon do; it’s more self-defence oriented,” Ms Bonavita said.
“We don’t hit each other or wear padding.
“Our values are discipline and respect.”
Ms Bonavita said gaining fitness was another great benefit of the sport.
The Mt Lawley resident trains three days a week and aspires to become a third dan.