Region 1 compete at the Challenger Cup

 

On the 6th November 4 students from Region 1 travelled out to Sitges Barcelona to compete in the much anticipated Challenger Cup 2015. With competitors across Europe in attendance, including Germany, Poland, England and Wales, we knew this going to be a very competitive and fast paced event.

Represent Region 1 was Mr. Reece Nicholls, Mr. Danny Welland, Miss Umbreen Khan and Mr. Ryan Meridith. After weeks of hard training the team was feeling confident and determined against what turned out to be very tough competition.

Up first was our junior hopeful Ryan Meridith. After a disappointing loss in his pattern finals, Ryan was more motivated than ever to take top spot in the sparring.......which he did in spectacular fashion. Facing a talented junior opponent in the finals, Ryan stuck to his game plan and with solid punch combinations and effective side-kicks, took a well-earned win for him and the team.

Spirits high, the next competitor to enter the ring was current welter weight World Champion Reece Nicholls. Moving up to the Middle Weight division, Reece fought through two tough rounds before reaching the finals. With the team cheering from the side lines Reece used his ring craft and experience to control the fight and take the second gold for Region 1.

Representing in the ladies division was Umbreen Khan. Breezing through her first two rounds of patterns, Umbreen was growing in confidence and motivation stepping into the finals. Facing a very talented competitor, Umbreen had to settle for 2rd place in a close contested match. Left fired up for the sparring, Umbreen drew a very tough and experienced fighter in the first round. Pushing each other to the final bell, Umbreen ended down the score cards taking a well-deserved bronze medal.

The last student of the day to compete in the senior category was seasoned competitor and current European Champion Danny Welland. With an impressive line-up of competitors Danny knew this was going to be a challenge!! With the home crowd behind his opponent Danny was pushed throughout the fight scoring clean punches followed by well-timed kicks. Unfortunately this was no to be Danny’s day, leaving the comp with a Bronze medal and a new desire to train even harder for the next bid challenge. 

After a successful day of competing the team was able to return back to the hotel for a quick rest before meeting up for dinner and a celebratory drink in Sitges. Rested and ready for day two the team was privileged to a Masters workshop headed up by Master Perez. Covering traditional tul, sparring and self-defense techniques the team enjoyed learning new ideas whilst meeting and forging new friendships in the process.

The team would like to thank Master Perez and the organising committee for what was a very enjoyable and professional run event, one that we will no doubt be attending again in the future. As a Region we would also like to congratulate our competitors who travelled out and represented the Region as well as our well-coordinated admin team for all their hard work behind the scenes.