Late-starting taekwondo student wins six titles in a row after two years of training

Daheishi Da-yin Gai-ba-pao did not begin taekwondo as a young child. He first tried the sport in his first year at Jianguo Junior High School in Miaoli County. Two years later, he has become a champion with six straight wins.

His latest title came at the 2026 Taiwan Taekwondo Open, where he won gold in the boys’ red-and-black belt poomsae division. Over the past year, he has also won gold at major events including the National Middle School Taekwondo Championships.

Daheishi has competed 16 times, collecting 11 titles, one runner-up finish and three third-place finishes. When he first entered national competition, he placed third in a lower-color-belt division. Rather than being discouraged by his late start, he increased his training.

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Starting later than others means I have to make up for it through self-discipline and hard training.

School principal Fang Li-ping said Daheishi initially had to build both his technique and his mental strength from scratch. Coach Wu Chi-lin said poomsae demands precise movements and close attention to detail. Daheishi trains his core and strength at school, then adds voluntary practice at home and accepts coaching adjustments.

Daheishi said competitions still make him nervous, but he remembers his coach’s advice: “Do what you have practiced every day.” He said he was happy to win, but would not stop training after taking first place.

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Do what you have practiced every day.