Photo Gallery Click to view
| |
On Saturday 18th March, Trenic Taekwon-Do Academy members along with fellow UK ITF member Emily Oakes travelled down to Gilford to compete at the UKTA English Championships. Open to all BTC members we knew the talent was going to be of a very high standard, with all competitors determined to take top spot on the podium.
Up first and eager to set the standard for the day was Trenic’s up and coming black tags Paul Balayut and Krists Victor. Dominating at our regional championships, is was time for our juniors to step outside their comfort zone and face new challenges. Merged into the black belt division both Krists and Paul battled their way to the quarter finals. Facing a very talent fighter from Wales, Paul used him excellent timing and speed to counter his opponent strong lead leg side kick. To close to call at the end of the second round the bout was determined a draw. 30 seconds on the clock and it was time to pull out all the stops. With the crowd cheering on from the stands as both competitors traded kick for kick, we knew it was going to be a tough call for the judges. Unfortunately, this was not to be Pauls day, having to settle for a well-deserved bronze medal. Up next was Krists who was eager to raise the moral of Team Trenic. Facing a well-schooled black belt, Krists grew in confidence as the fight progressed and toward the end of the second round began to outwork and over power his opponent. Into the finals and it was now time to compete for the gold. With a new-found confidence in his ability, Krists came flying out the blocks putting his opposition on the back foot. Round one over and the fight was still anyone’s to win. Round two and the boys were back to business, showcasing a level of taekwondo sparring far beyond their years. Although losing the fight, we are sure Krists will take confidence from his performing and this will spur him on for the next big event.
Up next and competing in the cadet heavy weight sparring division was Zack Porter and Coby Esegbona. On separate side of the draw, both Coby and Zack were eager to step onto the ring and establish themselves as the division favourites. With very different sparring styles, both Zack and Coby worked to their strength to earn their way into the semi-finals. Up first to fight his way to the finals was Zack. Planting his feet and throwing strong hand combinations Zack planned to out skill his man. Unfortunately, he was unable to take the win, leaving the hopes for the gold in Coby’s hands. After a well fought semi-finals bout, Coby now faced a tough and well trained opponent in the finals. With very little separating the two fighters, the bout was called a draw. 30 seconds on the clock and with Coby leading the score card, a last second head kick saw the decision sway the way of his opponent, leaving Coby to take a well fought silver medal.
Fighting next and looking to take our first gold of the day was Lawrence Liboro. In a busy division, Lawrence used his strong pump side kick style to overwhelm him opponents, forcing them out of the ring and out the competition. This was a style that worked well for the young fighter, leading to our first gold medal for UK ITF and a much-needed confidence boost for our juniors yet to compete.
Looking to continue the medal hall was Katie Hetherington, Dolci Grove and Emily Oakes in the junior female degree patterns. In a division filled with talent, each of our juniors performed to the best of their ability wowing the crowd with their strength of movement and excellent leg control. The results table saw Dolci Grove securing Bronze whilst Emily blew the opposition away to take the much-sought after English Championship Title.
Confident from patterns, our junior girls looked to continue their success in the 14-17yrs sparring divisions. Up first was Katie Hetherington. Having to adapt to new sparring rules for the event, Katie used her lead leg strength and flexibility to keep her opponent away and pick clear head shots with jump punches. This style worked well for Katie who cruised through the competition to take top spot on the podium. Quick to follow suit was both Emily and Dolci who also secured gold in spectacular fashion, highlighting once again the talent progressing through the ranks of the UK ITF.
It was now time for our junior boys to step into the ring and follow the lead of our girls. Up first were Leonard and Balaj competing in the 1st Degree division as well as Ryan and Jason competing in the 2nd Degree category. As with all our competitors, our junior boys gave 100% on the floor, performing both with confidence and professionalism. After close contested bouts Ryan earned a bronze medal with the remaining competitors falling just short of the medal table.
Looking to make amends in the sparring, our junior boys now looked more fired up than ever. Up first to compete was Leonard Liboro. With the crowd cheering on from the side lines, Leonard took the fight to his first opponent firing well timed kick and punch combinations. Bout one under his belt it was time to move into the finals. Against a much taller opponent Leonard knew this was going to be tough. As the bell sounded to begin the match, Leonard looked to close the distance between himself and his opponent, outworking him on the inside. This was a game plan that proved effective for Leonard, who by the end of the match took the win by unanimous decision. Up next was Balaj Hussain. Merged into the hyper weight division, Balaj knew that speed would be the key to winning. After a tough first fight Balaj looked confidence stepping into the finals against a seasoned junior competitor. Trading shot for shot with neither competitor giving up, this soon became a true crowd pleaser. As time was called on the bout, Balaj had to concede the win, losing by split decision but taking a much-deserved silver medal. Jason Morrison was next to enter the ring. After a successful winning streak at recent competitions, Jason entered the ring relaxed with an air of confidence. This was soon put to test when facing a taller, equally experience competitor, fighting on his home turf. Although Jason lost the match we know this will encourage him to return to the gym and train even harder for the next big event. Up next competing in sparring was Ryan Meredith. Looking strong from the word go, Ryan put the pressure on his opponent and over two round dominated the fight. Unfortunately, and to the upset of the team, Ryan received a warning and point deduction during the first round of the bout, leaving Ryan an uphill battle to win. Although disappointed to lose, Ryan took confidence from the fight which we are sure will spur him on for his next big challenge……. the UK ITF Finals Day.
It was now time for our adults to perform, and after a long day of waiting, our adult squad were eager to compete. Representing Trenic as members of UK ITF were Gemma O’Connor, Aaron Mather, Ryan Hamdy and Harry Evans. Although performing strong pattern, Gemma and Aaron had to accept early losses against talented opposition, leaving them fired up to compete in the sparring. This was however a successful start to the day for Ryan and Harry who won bronze and silver in the 2nd degree division. Moving onto sparring and Harry was first to be called to ring. After dropping his opponent to the floor during the opening seconds of the bout and scoring well-timed kicks throughout the fight, we feel it was warning that cost Harry the final decision.
Up next was Aaron Mather. Merged into the -70kg category we knew this would be a tough challenge for the -64kg fighter. Earning his place in the finals, Aaron was faced by a very experienced and talented competitor. Although using superior ring craft, Aaron was unable to secure the win against the much taller and heavier opponent. Our last male competitor to step into the ring was Ryan Hamdy. Once again merged into the division above, we knew that Ryan would have to change up his game plan. Good movement with well-timed counter attacks was the new order of business. Although working hard throughout the fight, the weight difference proved too much with Ryan struggling to work-out and stamp his authority on the much taller and very talent -65kg fighter.
Up last to compete was Gemma O’Connor. Currently holding the ITF sparring World Title, Gemma entered the ring ready to win. Breezing through her first fight, Gemma began to relax into her performance, working her strong lead leg kicks and well timed hook punches. By the end of the final bell, Gemma’s experience and talent proved far too much for opponent leaving Gemma once again to take top spot on the podium.
A successful day for all, we would like to congratulate the competitors that travelled down to represent UK ITF at the event as well as the coaching team; Mr Brunger, Miss Cornwell and Mr Dempsey who worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure the team were well supported. We would also like to send our thanks and appreciation to the UKTA for hosting and inviting our team to such a well-run and professional event.
Written by: UK ITF Admin - 22nd March 2017
Sorry, but you need to login to your account to add feedback. Login now, or if you are not a member then apply to join here |