UKITF Training day and Awards Evening
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On Saturday 18th January it was encouraging to see so many instructors and students turn up bright and early to what was set to be an exciting day of sparring drills, fitness, tul work and fundamental movements. Headed by ITF Secretary General Master Nicholls and Technical Chair Lee Hollingsworth, all students were raring to go and take this opportunity to learn amongst fellow UKITF friends.

After a quick introduction from Master Nicholls and ‘light warm up’, Mr Hollingsworth put everybody through their paces with an intense fitness and conditioning session, with an emphasis on developing core strength (which I’m sure most were feeling the effects of the morning after).  After a short break Mr Hollingsworth instructed a thought provoking sparring workshop, aimed at improving kicking speed, teamed with some simple, yet effective counter attack drills.

After a 20min lunch break we reformed, regained our focus and set ourselves for an afternoon of patterns and fundamental movements. Led by guest instructor Kerry Burridge, we took to the floor to perform both junior and degree patterns. As the session continued we were encouraged to ‘perform’ each pattern with an emphasis on correct technique, power and speed of delivery. 

Following a quick (and much needed) water break we were all excited to have the final workshop taught by Master Nicholls. The session commenced by exploring how to increase power in each movement and progressed to the application of fundamental blocks and attacks in sparring situations. To finish the days training, we all paired up and prepared to strike the kick shields. We focused on front snap kick, placing importance on correct form and use of body mass, moving on to explore the correct direction of turning kick and reverse turning kick. 

After a group photo shot and closing thoughts from the senior degrees present, we each retired to our rooms for a well-earned relax and later headed back down for the evening meal and UKITF award presentations. After a lovely meal it was time to present the awards for each region. ..

REGIONAL AWARDS

(Region 1) Student of the year- Mr Matthew Brunger

(Region 1) most improved student of the year- Ms Jay Gilbert

(Region 1) Regional contribution- Ms Fran Almeida-Davis

(Region 7) Competitor of the year- Mr Kieran McDermott

(Region 7) Student of the year- Mr Stuart Leppard

(Region 4) Regional contribution- Ms Tracey Everett

(Region 4) Competitor of the year- Mr Adam Everett

(Region 4) Student of the year- Mr Sam Richards

UKITF AWARDS

Competitors Competitor of the year- Mr Reece Nicholls

Umpire of the year- Grant Churchwood

With closing speeches made by Master Nicholls and UK ITF Development Committee Chair  Mr Mandeep Rauli. the room was left humbled and eager to make 2014 supersede the great achievements of 2013. Once the awards had been presented, it was time to enjoy the remainder of the evening and with a DJ playing, and drinks flowing, we were left to party the night away.

We would like to thank Master Nicholls, Mr Hollingsworth and supporting instructors for leading the workshop, as well as Miss Nicholls for her help in organising the day’s event. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the UKITF members that attended the workshop and awards evening, making the event the success it truly was.

Written by: UK ITF Admin - 4th February 2014

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