SGTKD attend the KITF Spring Nationals
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On Friday 26^th
February several members of Stoke Gifford TKD arrived in Exeter to prepare for
the Spring National Championships the following day by helping with the
weigh-in and then, after a quick break,  joining friends and colleagues from different clubs
from around the country to help set up the hall for the following day.

Saturday morning found more
members of SGTKD gathering at Riverside Leisure Centre to join the many other
competitors and supporters preparing for the day ahead. For some the Spring
Nationals had the added importance of being a ranking competition with a
potential invitation to the UK Squad Training and, ultimately, a possible place
at the World Championships at stake.

Whilst Miss Burridge, Alison and
Ashley Nicholls began organising the day on the top table, Jenni, Kevin, Laura
and Carla took their places as part of the Event Staff team and with the
morning weigh in and height check complete, the day’s events began. Soon all
six rings were a hive of activity as competitors of all ages and grades put
their years of training and practice to the test. With The Giff having 15
students there to go up against some excellent competitors from clubs from all
over the country, it was set to be an exciting day.

The morning session held the Kids
Kickers, Kup Juniors  and Under 16’s categories
with everyone performing brilliantly in these and the Giff soon began to
collect a few medals. Lewis won bronze in sparring, Divleen bronze in flying
kick, Charmaine bronze for patterns, gold for sparring and gold in flying kick,
Harry achieved bronze in patterns and gold in sparring and Jakob won silver in
sparring. In the U16’s category Lucie won gold in patterns and silver in
special technique, Ollie silver in patterns and Emily won gold in sparring,
silver in patterns and silver in power.  Asees
also gave an excellent performance and gained some valuable experience for the
future.

The afternoon brought the Under
14’s, Under 18’s and Adult categories. Once again Stoke Gifford students gave
their all and added to the medal tally.  Phoebe won silver in patterns, Esme gold in
patterns and silver in sparring, Lucie silver in patterns, William gold in
patterns and gold in sparring, Callum silver in sparring, Jack bronze in
sparring, Emily gold in patterns and silver in sparring and David won bronze in
patterns.

Jenni, Kevin, Laura and Carla who
are hoping to qualify as event staff at the Worlds, all did a grand job and
enjoyed their day helping to run the rings. With Miss Burridge and Alison
helping to run things on the top table, the day passed and as the rest of the
rings were dismantled and cleared away around them Phoebe, Jack, Ollie and
Callum took part in power. Both Phoebe and Jack triumphed with Jack achieving
silver and Phoebe smashing her way to gold!

After a long and tiring day
everyone gathered their haul of medals and kit bags and headed home or back to
their hotels. As always it was great to catch up with our friends from all over
the country and the social aspect of TKD competitions remains as strong as the
competing itself.

Many congratulations to everyone
who attended, with over 330 competing it was a tough competition and just
having the nerve to get up and take part is a triumph in itself and you all
performed superbly.

Thank you to Grand Master
Nicholls, Miss Burridge, Ashley Nicholls, Alison, Mr & Mrs Richards and all
the officials and umpires who made the day a success, and to all the
competitors and spectators for your patience and support.

The total medal haul for SGTKD
was 27 with 10 golds, 11 silver and 6 bronze. We are now looking forward to the
UKITF Pre-Lims and Finals Day (for those that were successful in qualifying in
the top three in the country) See you there!

Written by: Stoke Gifford TKD - 9th March 2016

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