Wow!!! With a new venue, new events and new faces, Region 1 STOMP was set to be an exciting day of fast paced action and certainly one not to be forgotten. With over 200 competitors from Trenic TKD Academies, Hollingsworth TKD Schools, Luton, Khalsa and Brentford TKD we were all geared up and ready to compete and with the pleasure of students attending from Stoke Gifford TKD and Berkhamsted TKD we knew the competition was going to be fierce.

After a prompt set up with the help of all the instructors and umpires, STOMP 2014 was ready to commence, and with Gavinder Sidhu on the microphone the students were directed to their rings to warm up for their patterns.

After weeks of hard work and dedication, the Generation-X (4-7yrs) stepped onto the mat to perform four directional punch and their set punch self-defence patterns. With proud instructors, family and friends watching on it was humbling to see such young students showing so much focus, determination and enthusiasm in their patterns. As the round finished and the competitors and onlookers awaited the dreaded ‘JUDGES SHOW’, each performer took their win or loss graciously. A great start to the competition!

Once the patterns were finished it was time to pad up and get down to business. Matched by height and experience the Generation-X divisions were called to the rings and instructed to listen out for their names. It was encouraging to see each students confidently step up and show what had been taught; moving, blocking, attacking and counterattacking. It was a real pleasure to watch, with so many students showing sparks of raw talent.

Finishing the Generation-X divisions on time, the umpires and officials were given a quick break to regain their focus before the flood of cadets and juniors arrived. As the competitors sought out the competition, there was an air of tension and nervousness around the room. With Gavinder Sidhu once again taking to the microphone to open the event, we quickly saw this nervousness turn to determination as the students began to warm up and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Up first were the pattern divisions. Over three rings we witness some excellent patterns far surpassing their grade and age. As we progressed from white belt through to the black belt categories it was positive to see the experience and maturity of the higher grades shining through, from their individual movements to their competition etiquette. Once Patterns were finished the competitors padded up and set themselves for sparring. With spectators cheering on from the stands and fellow club friends chanting advice, everyone was ready to watch the sparring unfold.  With strong performances put in by all, the future of region 1 competitors is definitely looking bright.

We would like to thank all the clubs, competitors and supporters that took the time to prepare and attend the championships as well as the umpires and officials that gave up their time to help  make the event the success it truly was.