On the 19th September students representing Region 1 embarked on their journey to compete in the IITF Kup Cup. Travelling out in the team were junior competitors Dolci Grove, Katie Hetherington, Coby Esegbona and Karen Abou- Abdallah and Coaches Matthew Brunger and Luke Dempsey.

After a long coach journey and exciting ferry experience there was just enough time to catch a bite to eat before retiring to our rooms for a good night’s rest.

As Saturdays morning arrived the junior students were wide awake and raring to go. Greeted by Mr Flaherty at the arena the team were able to relax and mentally prepare for the task at hand. After opening speeches from IITF representatives and a formal coaches/umpires meeting the championships was ready to commence. As we watched students take to the mat we knew this was going to be a tough day of competing however we did not let this faze us.

Up first from our team was Karen in the Green to Blue belt tul division. After a strong opening pattern Karen took the win…a great start for our Region 1 junior squad. Unfortunately in a group of very talented competitors this was not to be Karen’s day, losing in the second round by split decision.

Looking to make up for her upset in the patterns, Karen knuckled down and battled hard in the sparring category. With a new found determination Karen fought her way through each opponent, rounding her day off with a crowd pleasing win in the finals. A great result for such a focused young competitor.

Looking to follow in Karen’s footsteps was fellow Yeading student Coby Esegbona. Padded up and ready to go, Coby looked to stamp his authority on the competition finishing the first round with a pin point accurate rear leg reverse turning kick, leaving the crowd on their feet. Progressing to the next round, and matched against a very strong opponent, Coby stood his ground as they fought toe to toe till the bell. Unfortunately Cody narrowly lost the fight with a split decision. This will only leave him more determined for the next challenge.

Up next was Katie Hetherington In the red to black belt division. With effortless leg control and powerful movements Katie was one to watch out for. Growing with confidence through each round Katie’s began to relax into her performance and her ability began to shine through. This too was now not to be Katie’s day, having to settle for a well-earned bronze medal. This pattern seemed to continue in the sparring for Katie as she took her second bronze medal of the championships. I am sure this will not deter Katie and she will return to the gym determined and focused on the next event.

Last up to compete was current UKITF sparring champion Dolci Grove. Moved up to the 14years+ division we knew this would be a new challenge for the young competitor, and she took it in her stride. Throughout he first fight Dolci used her strength to out-power her opponent, forcing her onto the back foot.

 One fight down, one confident win.

With the crowd watching on, Dolci faced a very talented Irish fighter in the finals. Although Dolci dug deep and fought hard, on this occasion her opponent stuck to her game plan and took the win. This was a sad loss for the up and coming fighter however this loss will only encourage her to train harder for their next meeting.

After closing speeches from Master Nicholls and Mr Flaherty and an appearance from the mayor, the event was called to a close and we began our long journey home. This was perhaps not our most successful trip away, but for our young competitors this was an excellent learning curve and will entice them to work harder and be more determined for their next competition……British Championships here we come!

We would like to thank Mr Flaherty for running such a successful competition, all the parents that took the time out of their busy schedules to support the event and of course to the students that have worked so hard in preparation for the event.