2025 Cadet World Taekwondo Championship Wrap Up: Spotlight on Taekwondo for Women

From May 10–14, 2025, the city of Fujairah in the UAE hosted the Cadet World Taekwondo Championship, drawing elite men’s and women’s taekwondo athletes from across the globe. Mozhdeh Martial Arts proudly had two key representatives showcasing the strength of taekwondo for women—athlete Lucy Schranz and referee Shahnaz Mozhdeh—with head coach Arash Mozhdeh also supporting the Australian national team.

Lucy Schranz: A Rising Force in Women’s Taekwondo

At just 13, Lucy stepped onto the mats in the +59 kg division for her World Taekwondo Championship debut. In the Round of 32, she fought Morocco, coming back from a 0–3 first round loss to dominate the next two rounds 13–2 and 6–5. In the Round of 16, she defeated Mexico in straight rounds, 12–6 and 6–4, earning a spot in the quarterfinals—top eight in the world—before falling to Croatia’s eventual silver women’s taekwondo medalist.

Lucy’s journey to Fujairah began on March 9 at the AIS Combat Centre in Canberra. There, she won two fights in straight rounds, defeating two national medalists. Her semifinal saw her avenge a previous loss against a competitor from National’s last year, followed by a decisive win in the final. This journey reflects the determination and skill driving taekwondo for women forward.

Shahnaz Mozhdeh: Leadership in Action at the World Taekwondo Championship

While Lucy was competing, Shahnaz Mozhdeh worked tirelessly as an international referee at the World Taekwondo Championship. Shahnaz has over three decades of experience in women’s taekwondo, a 5th Dan Black Belt, and two “Best Junior Referee” awards from the 2018 and 2022 Australian National World Taekwondo Championship. A former Iranian national team member, she is recognised globally for her technical expertise and commitment to taekwondo for women.

Head coach Arash, a 6th Dan Black Belt and former competitor for both Iran and Australia, also attended as a trainer for the Australian national team for men’s and women’s taekwondo. His guidance continues to develop emerging talent and strengthen Australia’s presence in women’s taekwondo.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Taekwondo for Women

The 2025 World Taekwondo Championship in Fujairah highlighted more than competition results—it showcased the rising influence of taekwondo for women that we foster at Mozhdeh Martial Arts. Lucy’s international debut, Shahnaz’s leadership, and Arash’s coaching all signal that Melbourne’s women’s taekwondo scene is thriving on the world stage.

We’re all proud to have played a role in this momentum, and with athletes and leaders like these, the future of taekwondo for women at Mozhdeh Martial Arts looks bright.