BackITF Aragon Open Championships

England ITF in Zaragoza 2010

On March the 19^th Matthew Brunger IV, Reece Nicholls II, Jamie McAvoy II and Luke Dempsey II set off to represent England and the Imperial TaeKwon-Do Association in the Aragon open Championships in Zaragoza hosted by Christian Oriolani V.

The Competition began at 9.00 on March 20^th. Countries participating at the event included Spain, Italy, Ireland, Argentina, Holland, Israel, Wales, and of course England so by no means were our boys in for an easy event.

The day started well with Jamie McAvoy going through 3 rounds to take the Gold in senior male (I and II degree) patterns against Argentina in the final. Matthew Brunger and Luke Dempsey also medalled in patterns both receiving a silver each to add to the England medals.

Once all the black belt pattern divisions was complete the sparring began. First on was the senior male lightweight division -64kg. Reece Nicholls and Jamie McAvoy was both competing in this division but luck was on our side as they were on opposite ends of a very large draw and would only meet if they made it to the final. Reece began by making easy work against Spain over the two 2-minute rounds. Jamie then defeated his Spanish opponent by KO in the second half of the last round. Reece’s second fight proved to be a tough fight against Argentina, but victory was his, placing him in the finale against the winner of Jamie’s semi final fight against Ireland. Jamie fought hard but struggled in the heavier weight division and with the strong hands of the Irish. Reece then went on to beat the Irish opponent in the final earning another gold and defending his unbeaten record since winning the European title.

The next division with an England and Imperial representative (Matthew Brunger) was the middleweight-76kg senior male sparring. Matthews first fight went his way winning by KO but unfortunately picked up a foot injury which caused him big problems in the final costing him the fight leaving him to take the silver.

On next was Luke Dempsey who unfortunately did not seed in sparring losing to one of Mr Oriolani’s students.
In total our four England imperial students earned a total of 2 Gold’s and 3 Silvers. Mr Craig Rowe III from Imperial Cornwall also received a Gold in hyper weight sparring and Mr Kevin McCabe V, ITF Wales partner group also received a Gold in patterns (IV and V Combined).

A massive thank you to Mr Christian Oriolani for the opportunity to compete in his very well organised and successful competition.