UK ITF Results

Matt Brunger- Gold (Sparring) Bronze (Patterns)

Reece Nicholls- Gold (Sparring) Gold (Patterns)

Jamie McAvoy- Bronze (Sparring)

Gemma O’Connor- Bronze (Sparring) Silver (Patterns)

Jason Morrison- Silver (Sparring) Silver (Patterns)

Katie Hetherington- Gold (Sparring) Silver (Patterns)

Dolci Grove- Bronze (Patterns) Bronze (Sparring)

Ryan Meredith- Gold (Patterns) Bronze (Sparring)

Jasmine Reader- Gold (Patterns)

 

After weeks of hard preparation, members from Trenic TKD and Fishpond TKD were ready to compete in the Dutch Open Championships 2016. Leaving Friday Afternoon, the team were packed and raring to go. After a warm greeting from Master Zondag on arrival, the team were promptly weighed in with passes presented.  After a quick bite to eat the team returned to their rooms for an early night’s rest.

The day of the competition and up first and representing Trenic TKD was Ryan Meredith in the Junior Tul division. Precise, powerful and well executed patterns saw Ryan quickly progress through the rounds and growing in confidence, took an early win for the club with top spot on the podium……. A great start to Trenic’s campaign. Looking to follow in similar fashion was 2nd Degree competitor Jason Morrison. Drawn against a very strong Dutch competitor we knew this was going to be a close call for the judges. Split after the designated pattern with the narrowest of leads going the way of the Dutch, it was down to Jason to bring it back with his choice pattern. Despite a crowd pleasing performance Jason was unable to secure the win taking a disappointing but well contested silver medal.

Looking to make up for the loss, Jason along with fellow team mate Ryan padded up and prepared warming up for sparring. Focused on the job at hand, Ryan was first called up to the ring. With powerful hand combinations and well placed kicks, it was a solid start to the fight. Unfortunately, this was not to be an easy day for Ryan with the results showing a draw. With an additional round added, Ryan came out with a new determined mind set and overpowered his opponent, forcing them to throw in the towel. Up next was Jason Morrison who came firing out the blocks. Kick after kick Jason quickly dismantled his fighter, comfortably progressing into the next round. Looking relaxed but eager to step on the mat both Ryan and Jason’s next opponent was an equally experienced and tough competitor. Although competing with heart and determination from start to finish, the scrappy mix of styles saw the Dutch fighter take the win with Jason tallying a second silver medal and Ryan a well-deserved bronze.

Up next were our junior ladies Dolci Grove, Katie Hetherington and Fishponds Jasmin Reader. Up first for patterns was Katie… After a solid run of wins within the UK this was a good international test for the young competitor. Against a high standard of competition, Katie looked strong from the start, battling her way comfortably to the finals. Unfortunately, this was not to be Katie’s day with the result showing a split decision in favour of the Dutch girl. Determined to make up for this loss, Katie’s next mission was top spot on the podium for sparring. From the start of each round to the final bell Katie looked to outwork her opponent, blitzing the opposition with kick after kick. Two fights convincingly won and another gold medal to add to her growing collection.

Trenic’s last junior girl to compete was Dolci Grove. Facing a very talented pattern performer in the first round we all knew this round could have gone either way. Instructed to perform with power and emphasise relaxation after each movement Dolci made the decision very hard for the judges. As with Katie, top spot similarly alluded Dolci who although performed sharp, well executed patterns had to settle for bronze. Chasing gold, Dolci looked ready to spar. Unfortunately, a clash of styles made the decision close to call with a split decision going the way of her Dutch opponent.  Knowing Dolci this will only leave her more determined and fired up for her next big challenge.

The last Junior girl to compete was Jasmin Reader. In the junior Kup Tul division Jasmin looked sharp and focused. Round after round Jasmin grew in confidence performing to a standard far beyond her grade and comfortably secured the gold. Well done!

Onto the adults and competing in a mixed 4th/5th Degree patterns league were Matthew Brunger, Reece Nicholls, Jamie McAvoy and Dutch Competitor Martin Van Straaten. With world class performances put in by all, the final results showed Bronze- Matthew, Silver- Martin and a well-earned gold place and top spot on the podium for Reece Nicholls.  

Up first for sparring was Current Heavy Weight European Champion Matthew Brunger. Facing against a much taller opponent, it was Matt’s experience and well timed punches that saw him progress through to the next round. Outclassing his second opponent Matt progressed to the finals against a tough opponent from Germany. It was once again Matt’s well timed hands that clinched him the win and once again top spot on the podium.

Our second adult male to spar was Reece Nicholls. Recently moving up a weight class to middle weight with much success, Reece was eager to challenge himself against new international competition. After dominating his first opponent Reece swiftly moved to the finals against a forward fighting Dutch opponent. With a clear game plan set, Reece was able to both outscore and outwork his opponent… The second gold of the day for Reece.

The last adult male to enter the ring was micro-weight Jamie McAvoy. With no competitors at his weight class Jamie moved up to the Light weight category facing an experienced fighter from the Dutch National team. Trading blow for blow the result saw Jamie taking a narrow loss and a hard fought bronze medal.

The last competitor to compete was Gemma O’Connor in the adult ladies’ division. Being the only fourth degree, Gemma was asked to merge against the winner of the third degree’s in a Dutch vs England spectacle. Wowing the crowd with excellent leg control and powerful movements the result was almost too close to call. Unfortunately, the result went the way of the Dutch leaving Gemma to take the silver. Up next was sparring and Gemma was feeling confident and eager to get into the ring. In a mixed weight division, Gemma knew that movement and fast shots were the key to winner. One win down, Gemma began to relax into her performance and was looking world class. This however was not enough to overcome the much heavier competitor who was able to force Gemma onto the back foot. Although taking a loss, Gemma now knows what to work on as she moves onto the next big event…. The UKITF Finals Day!

On behalf of the UK ITF we would like to thank Master Zondag for his great hospitality. It was a pleasure to be part of such a professional and well run event. We would also like to thank the UK ITF administration team who always do a fantastic job of booking flights, accommodation and take any undue stress away from the competitors. We would lastly like to share our thanks to Grand Master Nicholls for his continual support, guidance and wisdom which help drive us forward.