Ages 8 and up, by assessment
High Performance: the Dragon Elite Olympic sparring program
The Dragon Elite competition team: Olympic-style sparring, entry by assessment.
- Ages
- 8 and up
- Class length
- 90 to 120 min
- Trains at
- Milton
- To start
- An assessment
The program
About High Performance
High Performance is the competition team. It focuses on Olympic-style sparring (kyorugi), trains a minimum of three to four days a week year-round, and entry is by assessment; the timetable marks its sessions invite only. Athletes are 8 and up, at least intermediate belt or with competitive experience in another martial art.
The head coach is Master Hadi Mostean, a 2013 World Championships silver medallist and a member of Iran’s senior national team from 2008 to 2015. Master Shak, Taekwondo Ontario’s provincial team coach for kyorugi, directs the program. Instructor Amir Valipour, the 2018 World Junior Champion, also teaches at Dragon.
Where it trains
Where the team trains
-
Milton
925 Main St. East, Units 6–10, Milton
Monday to Thursday 7:15 PM · Friday 7:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM
High Performance training in Milton
What training covers
Footwork and distance, timing, combination kicking, counter-attacks, defence and fight planning; conditioning for multiple rounds; video analysis; and, before events, weight management, bracket strategy and mental preparation.
Who it is for, and who it is not for
Athletes who intend to compete at local, provincial, national or international tournaments. For recreational students, the school recommends the regular classes.
Where and when
High Performance sessions are on the Milton timetable: Monday to Thursday 7:15–8:45 PM, Friday 7:00–8:30 PM (poomse and sparring), and Saturday 9:00–11:00 AM.
By assessment
How to join
Contact the school. There is a short consultation, then a skills assessment and trial session covering sparring fundamentals, footwork, fitness and coachability. After it the coaches either offer a place or say what to work on before trying again. Spaces are limited.
FAQ
Questions about High Performance
What age can an athlete join High Performance?
Eight and up. Ages 8 to 12 train in a development group; teens and adults in the advanced group. Maturity and commitment matter more than age.
How many days a week?
A minimum of three to four. Many of the top athletes train five to six.
Is there a tryout?
Yes: a skills assessment and trial class, arranged by contacting the school.
What is the Canadian High Performance Taekwondo Centre?
CHPTC is a national organization that supports elite athletes with training, sports science and financial aid for travel and competition. Dragon athletes who reach national level can be pointed to it.