Wow!!! With a new venue, new events and new faces, Region 1
STOMP was set to be an exciting day of fast paced action and certainly one not to be
forgotten. With over 200 competitors from Trenic TKD Academies, Hollingsworth
TKD Schools, Luton, Khalsa and Brentford TKD we were all geared up and ready to
compete and with the pleasure of students attending from Stoke Gifford TKD and
Berkhamsted TKD we knew the competition was going to be fierce.
After a prompt set up with the help of all the instructors
and umpires, STOMP 2014 was ready to commence, and with Gavinder Sidhu on the
microphone the students were directed to their rings to warm up for their
patterns.
After weeks of hard work and dedication, the Generation-X
(4-7yrs) stepped onto the mat to perform four directional punch and their set
punch self-defence patterns. With proud instructors, family and friends
watching on it was humbling to see such young students showing so much focus,
determination and enthusiasm in their patterns. As the round finished and the
competitors and onlookers awaited the dreaded ‘JUDGES SHOW’, each performer
took their win or loss graciously. A great start to the competition!
Once the patterns were finished it was time to pad up and
get down to business. Matched by height and experience the Generation-X
divisions were called to the rings and instructed to listen out for their
names. It was encouraging to see each students confidently step up and show
what had been taught; moving, blocking, attacking and counterattacking. It was
a real pleasure to watch, with so many students showing sparks of raw talent.
Finishing the Generation-X divisions on time, the umpires
and officials were given a quick break to regain their focus before the flood
of cadets and juniors arrived. As the competitors sought out the competition,
there was an air of tension and nervousness around the room. With Gavinder
Sidhu once again taking to the microphone to open the event, we quickly saw
this nervousness turn to determination as the students began to warm up and
mentally prepare for the day ahead.
Up first were the pattern divisions. Over three rings we
witness some excellent patterns far surpassing their grade and age. As we
progressed from white belt through to the black belt categories it was positive
to see the experience and maturity of the higher grades shining through, from
their individual movements to their competition etiquette. Once Patterns were finished
the competitors padded up and set themselves for sparring. With spectators
cheering on from the stands and fellow club friends chanting advice, everyone
was ready to watch the sparring unfold.
With strong performances put in by all, the future of region 1
competitors is definitely looking bright.
We would like to thank all the clubs, competitors and
supporters that took the time to prepare and attend the championships as well
as the umpires and officials that gave up their time to help make the event the success it truly was.
Written by: Matt Brunger - 8th April 2014
Sorry, but you need to login to your account to add feedback. Login now, or if you are not a member then apply to join here |