A Taekwondo centre hidden in Melbourne's southeast has become a refuge for a group of talented female Afghans who fled the Taliban to pursue their passion for taekwondo.
Among them is Fatima Ahmadi, who represented Afghanistan's national team before .
She's ancient style of self-defence that requires its students to master discipline and balance.
"Growing up in a country like Afghanistan, the violence and the gender inequality were the most common things. Taekwondo provided me with an escape from that sort of environment and allowed me to channel my energy into something very positive," Ahmadi said.
"I was playing for Afghanistan for five years. I was representing Afghanistan in international competitions, and it was such a part of me to grab Afghanistan's flag and go to another country and represent my own country."
But that all changed three years ago.
Fatima Ahmadi (left) and Shekiba Fuladi are both from Afghanistan and train at the World Taekwondo Centre. Source: SBS News
After going into hiding following the Taliban's takeover, the women crossed the land border into Pakistan with paperwork to travel onwards to Australia.
Despite leaving her homeland and many loved ones behind, her competitive drive continues to flourish. In Australia, she has a new life, and a new chance, to keep pursuing her passion.
"I'm trying my best to participate in competitions to get more experience and represent Australia," she said.
"I really want to represent Australia in competitions because I cannot represent my country anymore; so I am looking forward to represent Australia in world championships or competitions overseas."
Shekiba Fuladi shares Ahmadi's burning desire to make the most of her opportunity.
The 21-year-old is also from Afghanistan and is equally passionate about her training.
"If you're passionate about any sport that you want to do, I think you have to do it," Fuladi said.
"I know even though we live in Australia there are obstacles, and I think there aren't enough people that would guide us to do what we love, to do the sport of our choice.
"But if you're passionate enough, I think if it's important enough for you, you should be willing to take any challenges, take the chances, and take that next step to get where you want to be."
Ali Rahimi is the chief instructor at the World Taekwondo Centre. Source: SBS News
"If I was now in Afghanistan, I wouldn't be able to be where I am today," she said.
"I wouldn't be able to be a successful athlete."
Both Fatima and Shekiba are being trained by Ali Rahimi, the chief instructor at the World Taekwondo Centre located in Melbourne's outer southeast.
"The girls like Shekiba and Fatima, they lost their hope in Afghanistan, and everybody has a goal, they have a dream in their life. Shekiba and Fatima, they lost their hope in life," Rahimi said.
"They couldn't get that position they wanted. So, since they moved to Australia, this is a good opportunity for them and it might prove to be an opportunity for all of them to get their goal."
As well as their competition success, the two athletes have been recognised for their role in inspiring other young girls to take up the challenge.
It's something that might be valued even more highly, given the hardline stance against participation in sports that women face in Afghanistan.
