Another great tournament for Region 5’s students, all students have done themselves proud.

Running the STOMP this year at Master Wood’s venue of Plumptre Hall in Eastwood, we decided to have 1event running at a time on 1 ring ensuring all competitors were being fully supported by all spectators, family and friends.

Master Wood opened up the building  with myself and of course Mrs Jean Wood to start the process of setting up, by then all officials were arriving ready to be given ring assignments to ensure a smooth running of the tournament throughout the day.

After all officials were assigned I started the event with an opening speech, running through health & safety of the building, introducing all officials and event staff to the spectators, hoping everyone will have fun and wishing all competitors the best of luck. The tournament was ready to commence.

We had a total of 33 competitors from the ages of 4 to 12 years.

The first item on the agenda was the speed test all competitors were fast and furious and the support given to each other was brilliant.

Shortly afterwards the high kick event took place, as with the speed test, the groups for this event were split into 3 height catergories. The highest kick of the day was performed by 11 year old 7th kup Abigail Nash from Ga-Jok Wollaton were she performed a 1.7 metre high kick ensuring a GOLD medal win in this event

Time was on our side with the tournament running very smoothly, we decided to take a short break.

The tournament continued with patterns and the 30 second BASH for Generation X students. The BASH is 30 seconds of any Taekwon-Do movements and exercises Generation X students have learnt and wish to perform. They put all this together by themselves.

The event was really running well, we decided to break for a 20 minute lunch break. All competitors were making the most of purchasing the cakes, crisps, fruit and drinks which were on sale. Whilst spectators, officials and event staff had time to grab a coffee and cake.

Before we re-commenced Mrs Sarah Harris awarded 2 of her students Mrs Sally Stevens and Jamie Marriott from her Ga-Jok Ilkeston club with their new promotions of 3rd Degree Belts.

The tournament re-commenced with sparring. All competitors were excited and many were very nervous as this was the first time competing in a tournament. All event staff and officials made the competitors feel comfortable and relaxed and all did so very well.

Catergories were divided into Generation X 4-5years, 6-7 years, kids kickers 8-10 years and cadets 11-12 years.

Up first to spar were the kid’s kickers followed by the cadets. Followed next to spar were Generation X students who showed amazing talent with their sparring skills, and were probably the most controlled throughout the day. In which I applauded them for this, all spectators, event staff and officials in the room were in full agreement with my speech.

The age and grades of these talented students WOW!!!!!! Is the word which best describes them all.

Instructors are so proud of Region 5’s and of course Lisa Blewitts Cathedral TKD up and coming champions.

The tournament ran very well, with the sun shining outside and the feeling of happy children and parents in the room is always something to be happy and proud of.

The extra feel good factor of the day for me personally is: There were no tears only smiles and laughter on the day, along with much appreciation being shown towards me for organising the event.

I would just like to show my appreciation and thank all officials and event staff for jobs well done, and helping this STOMP run so smoothly.

I would also like to thank ALL families, friends and of course all competitors.

Without your support events like this would not go ahead.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!