Palawa Leading Aircraftman Dane Gilchrist is set to compete at the 2025 NSW Taekwondo Championships, aiming to build on his 2024 Victorian State Championship win in the Masters 74–80kg sparring division.

A first-dan black belt, Mr Gilchrist said Taekwondo centres on discipline.

"It's focused on discipline, a lot of companionship and camaraderie," he told the ADF.

He noted these values align closely with his Air Force service, blending mental focus, physical fitness and community spirit.

In 2024, Mr Gilchrist won the Victorian title and placed second in the 31–40 Men's Poomsae, despite having contracted COVID shortly before the event.

"I was cooked … in bed for about four days," he said, though he returned to competition a week later and won.

Now 39, Mr Gilchrist first practised Taekwondo as a child but paused due to life commitments.

He resumed in 2020 after his five-year-old daughter began training, which motivated him to return to the sport.

"It's about understanding what you're capable of," he said.

"I pushed hard to achieve my first dan and I'm now aiming for my second one this year, training up to five days a week.

"Next up I look forward to competing in the NSW championships in August - I live and breathe this."

Mr Gilchrist grew up on the Gold Coast and spent more than a decade as a commercial pilot before joining the Air Force seven years ago to pursue a long-held goal.

"I always wanted to join the Air Force," he said.

He now works as a cyberspace warfare specialist in the Defence Security Operation Centre.

Mr Gilchrist said the discipline gained from Taekwondo has improved his performance in his ICT role.

"It makes you more cognisant of your surroundings, a mental boost," he said.

He credited the support of his chain of command and the Air Force Sports Council with helping him pursue the sport at a high level.

"It gives me that holistic mindset that I can achieve greater things in both my sport and work," he said.

As a Palawa man, Mr Gilchrist said his heritage is a source of strength.

"I'm very proud to be of Aboriginal descent. It's part of my life," he said.

He is currently studying Korean Studies at Curtin University through the ADF's Indigenous Development Employment Program, which he said has deepened his understanding of Taekwondo.

He said the ADF's Taekwondo community, which includes around a dozen active competitors, provides a strong network.

"It's like having an extended family," he said.

"I've bumped into uniform members at competitions and it has been great.

"Age is not a barrier when it comes to Taekwondo – everyone looks after each other and I feel fitter now than when I was younger."