BackImperial British Championships 2009

The UK's Premier Event Over 650 competitors, with international contingents from Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Scotland, Wales and England. The Imperial British Championships was set to be a monumental event.

All six rings had the ITF Approved electronic scoring for Patterns, Sparring, Special and Power. Run strictly in accordance with ITF Tournament rules with the ITF Tournament Chairman Master Galarraga in attendance.

As well as Master Nicholls VIII, we had visiting dignitaries from all over the globe. From Argentina Master Galarraga VIII, Master Maidana VII, Master Barat VI. Also our resident Masters Master Hogan, Master Lawes, Master Brown, Master Wood, Master Deedigan. Mr Tolu President of INO 330 Italy, Mr Oriolani Spain and Miss Farigu Italy to mention a few.

Both days started at 9:30 with the coach and umpire meetings, with a prompt start for the competition. We concluded all sections by 17:30 on both days making the event enjoyable and entertaining for all.

Saturday 10th October 2009

Following the published schedule we opened the event with the five to seven year olds. What a start our Generation X and Kids Kickers showed outstanding talent and dedication. The future of Taekwon-Do is in their hands, and if Saturdays events are anything to go by the future looks bright.

Generation X divisions started with the 30 second freestyle patterns, where these young stars showed off there own choreographed moves to the judges. With Ashan Wakala taking the gold closely followed by Andreas Butt silver and Issac O'Brien, Robert Shipley with Bronze. Over in the adjoining rings the Kids Kickers pattern division was nearing completion with the 10th - 7th Kups running order as India Hateley Gold, Michael Mullins Silver and Cillian Egan, Ayesha Khan Bronze. The 6th - 3rd Kup division finished with B Wadsley collecting Gold, India Yip Silver and Ellen Portat Bronze.

Cadets occupied the front 3 rings, which some large divisions some over 40 strong. We ran these divisions as close to ITF rules as possible. This being the eight to twelve years they are our next competitors to step up to the ITF world stage, by giving them the opportunity to compete under ITF rules adequately prepares them for the journey into the ITF international circuit. There were some great displays of ITF Taekwon-Do technique as they took to the rings for the pattern competition.

Next up for patterns was the veterans, not to be outdone by there junior counter parts they pulled out all the stops. With the various division ranging from 10th Kup all the way up to 6th Degree there were some outstanding performances. This section looks to be expanding exponentially and now its inclusion into the ITF tournament format can only help boost its popularity.

As we rolled into the afternoon we moved onto the sparring divisions. Some great displays of agility from all ages with some awe inspiring matches. Kids Kickers and Cadets divisions were up first and occupied all six rings as the crowd roared with excitement. As these youngsters sat waiting for their match you could see the concentration and determination on their faces. I was personally impressed by the skill level shown by this younger generation, the sportsmanship was apparent and a great example to all.

Veterans sparring showed how seasoned our competitors were. Age may be slowing them down and restricting there stamina but the ring craft displayed was a pleasure for all to watch. Some great bouts with excellent ability shown by all.

Concluding the day was the Special Technique for Kids Kickers and Cadets while the Veterans demonstrated their power techniques. With our bespoke holders and special technique stands the divisions flew by.  Those kids sure can jump, another demonstration of our future champions

Sunday 11th October 2009

Following the coach and umpire meeting at 9:30, we introduced our international contingent from Argentina, Spain, Italy, Ireland and of cause Scotland and Wales who had been at the previous days events. Quick explanation of the scoring system for those who had not used it previously and we were underway...

Kicking off with the patterns for Juniors all six ring were soon underway with the kup divisions. Some outstanding performances set the tempo for the events to come. Once again we had divided the groups up into 10th - 7th Kup, 6th - 3rd Kup, 2nd - 1st Kup, 1st Degree, 2nd Degree and 3rd Degree. All divisions were well occupied making for some stiff competition, with spectacular displays of ability.

Soon onto the Senior pattern division where the groups were as above with the addition of 4th Degree and 5th Degree. Very closely contended with great performances from some current World and European Champions. Couple of divisions saw European Champions toppled by up and coming stars, just goes to show the calibre of our competitors here in the UK. We would like to thank the following Masters, Nicholls, Galarraga, Maidana, Barat, Wood, and Deedigan for stepping up and judging the senior degree patterns. If its not hard enough to perform patterns in competition try performing in front of those judges. Just goes to show that even the highest ranks are willing to chip in and help where they can.

Senior sparring, everyone was waiting for these divisions in anticipation. The atmosphere was electric, there were some world class competitors in attendance looking to defend their titles, with some up and coming stars looking for fame and fortune. We started with the kup divisions followed by the degree. The electronic scoring system made it easy for the crowd to follow the action, gave for some quality tactics and performances from all. Coaches commented how useful it is to see the score of all judges and the warnings in real time, with an accurate display of time remaining in the round.

Following the completion of individuals patterns and sparring we went on to the senior team events. The first round of the senior males saw Argentina win against Spain and England victorious against Italy. A very experienced Argentinean team face the new England stars, experience won on the day with Argentina securing Gold in the Senior Male Team Sparring. It was reversed for the Senior Female Team as England took the Gold over Argentina. Both divisions had the crowd on its feet as the bouts reached conclusion.

Bring day two events to a close was the individual power and special technique. As the competitors broke board after board with both hand and foot techniques the champions were being awarded there medals. The special technique heights were set to world championship criteria, this didn't seem to hinder the competitors at all as one after the other they successfully completed their attempts.

Eventually all divisions had concluded and brought the championships to and end. As we said goodbye to our new and old friends they all vowed to be back next year. Everyone loved the Double sided 70mm Olympic medal design and the fact on-site engraving made them very personal. The photo studio was busy both days for actions pictures another first for the UK tournament scene. As mentioned the scoring system allowed for an efficient ring management, our online entry and draw system made simple work or ring assignment and competitor identification. If you interested in any of the technology we have implemented please contact us for advice.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Imperial Instructors, Our Partner groups and the ITF community for making this such a successful and possible the largest ITF event in the UK. As always a huge thank you to all those officials who helped make the days run smoothly, your support is always appreciated by us the coaches and competitors, Well done!

See you at the next one....

Mark Skyrme

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FULL LIST OF RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE