Region 1 STOMP 2016

With the same great venue, experienced umpires and an abundance of eager students raring to compete, Region 1’s first STOMP of 2016 was set to be yet another crowd pleasing spectacle. With over 150 members in attendance from schools across the region including Trenic Academies, Hollingsworth TKD Schools, STA, Legends TKD Schools and Stoke Gifford TKD we knew this was going to be an event not to be missed.

Up first were our youngest students and from watching them perform we can all agree that what they were lacking in experience they definitely made up for with enthusiasm and heart.

With patterns being judged on power, correct technique, good balance and breath control all students stepped up to the mark. With proud parents watching on from the stands our Generation-X (4-7yrs) competitors were a true credit to themselves and their clubs. Once patterns had finished it was time to pad up and prepare for sparring. Using good ring craft coupled with well-timed attacks and counter attacks, the event was a pleasure to watch.  As the final bout was called to a close we can all rest assured that region 1 has a very bright competitive future ahead.

To finish the morning session our juniors (13+) were called to compete and begin warming up. With the Generation-X watching on from the side lines this was a great opportunity for our youngest students to be inspired and aim to emulate the successes of our up-coming juniors. With current World, European, National and Regional members present this was an event bursting with talent, wowing the crowd with precise patterns and hard fought bouts.

Once all the categories had finished there was a quick lunch break to rest and reflect on the morning performances before moving onto the cadets in the afternoon.

With cadets set to compete we returned to our ring and prepared ourselves for patterns. For some students this was their first competition and although nervous, appeared unfazed by the occasion, stepping onto the mat with confidence and professionalism. As always the patterns were performed to a high standard and were a pleasure to watch. As we progressed from white belts to the senior grades, it was encouraging to see their competition experience shining through, shedding light on the importance and positive impact these local events have on the development of our young competitors.

Once patterns were finished it was time for our cadet sparring division to compete…As with previous STOMP Championships strong performances were put in by all, and win or lose, each student showed the heart, determination and spirit of a true Taekwon-Do practitioner.

As always we would like to thank all those that were involved in setting up and running the event along with the instructors and students that supported the day. Our next STOMP has now been scheduled for 2nd July so let’s head back to our clubs, iron out the weakness and set our sights for this next big challenge.