On Sunday 9th June Region 7 held a Stomp Comp and the hosts, Stoke Gifford TKD, were joined by friends and students from fellow Region 7 club Westbury-On-Trym TKD, Region 5 club Ga-Jok and Cardiff Martial Arts. It was a great opportunity for the younger students to gain experience in competing and for the older ones to show off their skills.


The day was also a fundraiser for the upcoming European Championships in Barcelona and it was made much more special by the refreshment pre-planning of Mrs McDermott & Mrs Chapman along with their team of helpers. Much money was also raised by hard working dads, Mr McDermott, Mr Chapman, Mr Boyle, & Mr Robertshaw who spent the whole day washing the spectators cars, a penalty shoot out run by some of the black belt boys and a raffle.


The general easy going feel of the day, along with the outstanding weather, made for a great competition experience for some students of whom this was their first taste of the TKD Tournament world!


The competition started with the Little Lions high kick, long kick and combo. The enthusiasm shown by these youngsters was fantastic and they all showed true potential for the future.


The junior categories followed with enormous flexibility being shown in the high kick and flying and technical skills triumphing in the long kick!


The patterns proved to be a hard fought category with some very close and tough decisions being made by the judges. Well practised moves and technical ability was displayed by all those competing and many were rewarded for their hard work with a place on the podium.


The atmosphere of the competition changed to an electric one as the sparring got underway. The audience joined with the students in cheering on the competitors as everyone gave their all and put into practice what they had learnt in lessons. There were some fine bouts as skills were mixed with determination and they were great to watch.


The power category for 4th kup and above soon began and with cheers of encouragement several students really raised their level as some impressive breaking took place.


All competitors had a great day with many medals achieved, and those that didn’t quite make the gold, silver & bronze rankings all received participation medals.


Miss Burridge, was instrumental in the organising & smooth running of the competition & was privileged to have the assistance or Master Don Deedigan (MDMA), Ms Fran White (Region7 WOT TKD), Ms Vicky Hart (Region5 Ga-Jok), Mr Jon Draper (CMA) along with Stoke Gifford umpires Mr Vennard, Mr Smith, Ms Grandfield & Mrs Baker-Attwood.


As always the day couldn''t have gone ahead without the volunteers that arrived early & stayed late to help set up & pack away, as well as selling  raffle tickets, hot dogs, cakes, ice pops & refreshments throughout the day. The region is also very appreciative of the degree grades that gave their time to umpire on the day, gaining valuable experience that will stand them in good stead when officiating at national UK ITF competitions.