On November 14th Students from Trenic-TKD under the UKITF banner made the journey out to Barcelona to compete in this year’s Challenger Cup. Representing Trenic was Aaron Mather, Harry Evans, Katie Hetherington, Dolci Grove and Coach Matthew Brunger. After a smooth flight and check in to our hotel we were able to relax and enjoy a day of relaxing and sight-seeing before retiring to our rooms for a good night’s rest.

Following a hearty breakfast Saturday morning we were ready to take on the competition. Successfully weighing in the team retired to the waiting area to warm up and mentally prepare for the long day ahead.

Up first were Harry Evans and Aaron Mather in the junior male patterns division. With the crowd of spectators watching on Aaron set our campaign of on a positive note securing an early first round win. Progressing through the rounds and growing in confidence, Aaron was able to relax into his performance and enjoy performing his patterns. Now in the finals and against a worthy opponent we knew Aaron would have to work hard to earn top spot on the podium.  Unfortunately this was not to be Aaron’s time however, having to settle for a well-deserved silver medal. This was similarly the same outcome for sparring world champion Harry Evan who exited the patterns division on a very close split decision loss.

Fired up and eager to spar, the boys padded up and took to the ring. Destroying and opponents in their path the two talented fighters made it comfortably to the finals where they would have to face one-another. World Champ vs Word Champ……..This was going to be an exciting, crowd pleasing event. Trading blow for blow the fight was almost too close to call with Aaron just squeezing the results, a great performance from both.

Up next were our junior girls. Both British Champions in the respective weigh class, we were interested to see what Spain had to offer. In the patterns division both Dolci and Katie were looking sharp and determined. After securing early wins it was once again Trenic TKD and Trenic TKD in the finals with Dolci clinching the result this time around.

Coming of the ring confident and ready to spar the girls padded up and began to warm up. The first to be called to the ring was Micro Weight Katie Hetherington. Unfortunately being the only fight at that weight Katie had no alternative but to step up, dig deep and fight in the heavy weight category!! Although showing excellent foot work and the heart of a lion, the size disadvantage was too great, leaving Katie to take an early loss. Looking to make up for her club mates disappointment was Dolci Grove. Breezing through her first round Dolci looked to dominate the category, and matched against a very talented up and coming fighter Dolci was able to comfortably see of her opponent and take the gold. WELL DONE!!!

4 COMPETITORS- 3(SILVER) 3 (GOLDS)

We would firstly like to thank Master Perez and the event staff for their warm welcome and great hospitality. We would also like to thank the parents that took the time to travel out to Barcelona to support their children as they begin to develop into strong up and coming competitors. Lastly we would like to send our appreciation to Grand Master Nicholls and Miss Ashley Nicholls for their continual support and guidance.