The Unified Taekwon-do Assocciation''''s annual competition was hosted in Northampton at UTA Roade Taekwon-do School.

 

It was an early start as officials from the UTA schools came together to begin setting up for the competition.  All three rings were set up by 8.30 and the BBQ was already well underway.  Over 150 competitors started arriving soon after, from competitors new to the events, to competitors of years gone by. The competition started on schedule at 9.00 with the little dragons kicking things off on ring one with a squad of high energy, little martial artists. Every little dragon performed an impressive range of their techniques with some exceptional flying kicks! All of them did themselves and their instructors proud.  Whilst the little dragons were striking their moves, the other rings saw the cadets start off a high standard for the patterns competition. 

 

After all the little dragons collected their well deserved medals, the cadets that had finished their patterns show down, started a high tempo sparring tournament keeping the referees on their toes and the corner judges very busy.

 

The competition ran very smoothly progressing from the cadets to juniors with some dedicated young fighters showing the results of their hard training.  The adults and seniors followed on with some tough fights between world class competitors and up and coming young adults. 

 

The day came to a climax with adult and senior black belt power and special technique competitions, seeing some high flying youngsters to powerful, experienced practitioners winning the events.

 

It was very close 1st and 2nd place in the medals tally between Hitchin and Stevenage Taekwon-do Schools, and Northampton Taekwon-do Schools with only 2 medals separating them on the total count.

 

A few bumps and bruises aside, The first aid team stayed relatively quiet throughout the day.

 

The officials and other helpers quickly cleared up the day''''s arena as a very successful competition came to a close.

 

It was great to see some students from the Chand Institute and Warwick university club competing as well as those from the UTA.  Well done to all those who competed, the BBQ chefs, tournament committee and it''''s officials and all those who supported the event for another great UTA competition.

 

Next stop, Letchworth Taekwon-do''''s 10 year celebration, November 9th.

 

So until the next one... 

 

Tae kwon!

John Halter