Martial Artists Test Their Skills At Taekwando Tournament

September 1, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire martial artist Jonathan Barbieri knew something wasn't right while standing atop the medal platform at the 2010 Junior Olympic Taekwondo Championship in Orlando, Fla. Barbieri trailed by four points with four seconds left in the 12-13 Male Red Sparring Final. But, his opponent accidentally kicked him in the face and had to forfeit the match.
“He looked at me and said he didn't deserve it,” said Jonathan's mother, Kay.
What happened next brought his family and Master Kiye Cho to tears. Jonathan posed for photos and then presented his gold medal to New York's Rustam Saidov. They had seen each other at previous tournaments.
“He shook his head and bowed to me,” stated Barbieri.
“We were a wreck. He made everyone cry,” reflected Kay Barbieri. “He (Cho) was incredibly impressed by the sportsmanship and maturity.”
Barbieri and his younger sister, Victoria, excelled in their third trip to the competition, held June 29 to July 2. After donating his gold medal, Jonathan was sent another one for his weight class (74.8 pounds and under). Victoria claimed bronze for Board Breaking (10-13 Female Red All), missing first place by just 0.4.
“It was pretty good, after all the hard work paid,” said Victoria Barbieri, who participated in a 13-person division. “It is hard to tell (your competition) because you don't know where each person comes from.”
Olympic Taekwondo Academy, located in Unionville and Farmington, had seven athletes secure nine medals. Over 4,000 athletes competed in ages 6-17.
“I'm proud of everyone from our team. For the most part, people were going there for the first time,” said Jonathan Barbieri.
Another Cheshire brother and sister, Sam and Natalie Vetto, were among the students facing a new experience. Like the Barbieri family, their father suggested getting involved in Taekwondo. Sam Vetto Sr. and Natalie actually earned their first-degree black belts at the same time.
“When I saw it, I loved (Taekwondo) and wanted to join them,” recalled Sam Vetto, who also received his initial black belt.
Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, involves kicking or striking with the foot or fist. It is divided between patterns, sparring, self-defense, and break tests.
“It is fun and entertaining. There are always new things to work on. It is great to move up to the next belt,” explained Victoria Barbieri.
Jonathan and Victoria Barbieri have each earned 15 belts in almost four years. They are working on their second-degree black belts.
“I want to be a master,” said Jonathan Barbieri. “Right now, we are assistants. We help out with lessons.”
Olympic Taekwondo Academy competes from November through July. Tournaments and qualifiers lead up to the Junior Olympic and National meets.
Three years ago, Jonathan and Victoria Barbieri made their first junior appearance at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The scale of the tournament didn't stop them from making an impact at age 10-11 Green. Victoria Barbieri took home gold (forms) and silver (sparring). Jonathan Barbieri collected two golds in sparring.
“Master Cho almost had a stroke when they won,” recalled Kay Barbieri.
The family visited Austin, Texas in 2009. Jonathan Barbieri captured gold (sparring) and bronze (breaking) medals.
“It's not just go after it (medal),” said Jonathan Barbieri. “You have to control everything and think about the match.”
This summer presented a new challenge. His journey to the gold medal included four matches. In Texas, just one bout separated him from the championship.
“There were more kids this year in Orlando,” stated Jonathan Barbieri.
Breaking can be as much a mental test as physical.
“It took awhile to get proper technique and how to use it,” explained Victoria Barbieri.
For Natalie Vetto, the biggest challenge was watching people take a kick to the head. Forfeits, for example how Jonathan Barbieri won gold, are a judgment call.
“If you are at junior, you can do light contact,” said Natalie Vetto, a nine-year old competing at 8-9. “If you hurt them, it's a disqualification.”
The Vetto family didn't medal in sparring or forms. Yet, they did receive a learning experience.
“It was fun waiting your turn because you can see how they fight,” recalled Sam Vetto.
“We would always run to the next competition and cheer on friends,” Natalie Vetto added.
Sam Vetto felt the pressure go away after winning his first of two sparring matches in the 7-9 group.
“It was harder (being 7) because they were older and heavier than me. I have an advantage because I'm faster,” stated Sam Vetto. “I like sparring because when you fight, you learn your opponent. So, you can beat them next time.”
Natalie Vetto had the tough task of going first in her sparring bout.
“My Master (Cho) and I had no idea who they (opponent) were,” explained Natalie Vetto. “It was harder for strategy. ”
Cho uses Taekwondo to teach students about life. He spent a couple of months preparing them for Florida.
“He pressures us a lot. He makes us feel like we can work harder every day,” said Sam Vetto.
Sam and Natalie watched their father compete in the national competition four days later at the same site.
“We remember you can always do what you put your mind to,” stated Natalie Vetto.
Natalie and Sam Vetto, along with Jonathan Barbieri and Victoria Barbieri are pictured with Master Kiye Cho. Photo was submitted.