On the 19th September students representing Region
1 embarked on their journey to compete in the IITF Kup Cup. Travelling out in
the team were junior competitors Dolci Grove, Katie Hetherington, Coby Esegbona
and Karen Abou- Abdallah and Coaches Matthew Brunger and Luke Dempsey.
After a long coach journey and exciting ferry experience
there was just enough time to catch a bite to eat before retiring to our rooms
for a good night’s rest.
As Saturdays morning arrived the junior students were wide
awake and raring to go. Greeted by Mr Flaherty at the arena the team were able
to relax and mentally prepare for the task at hand. After opening speeches from
IITF representatives and a formal coaches/umpires meeting the championships was
ready to commence. As we watched students take to the mat we knew this was
going to be a tough day of competing however we did not let this faze us.
Up first from our team was Karen in the Green to Blue belt
tul division. After a strong opening pattern Karen took the win…a great start
for our Region 1 junior squad. Unfortunately in a group of very talented
competitors this was not to be Karen’s day, losing in the second round by split
decision.
Looking to make up for her upset in the patterns, Karen knuckled
down and battled hard in the sparring category. With a new found determination
Karen fought her way through each opponent, rounding her day off with a crowd
pleasing win in the finals. A great result for such a focused young competitor.
Looking to follow in Karen’s footsteps was fellow Yeading
student Coby Esegbona. Padded up and ready to go, Coby looked to stamp his
authority on the competition finishing the first round with a pin point
accurate rear leg reverse turning kick, leaving the crowd on their feet.
Progressing to the next round, and matched against a very strong opponent, Coby
stood his ground as they fought toe to toe till the bell. Unfortunately Cody
narrowly lost the fight with a split decision. This will only leave him more
determined for the next challenge.
Up next was Katie Hetherington In the red to black belt
division. With effortless leg control and powerful movements Katie was one to
watch out for. Growing with confidence through each round Katie’s began to
relax into her performance and her ability began to shine through. This too was
now not to be Katie’s day, having to settle for a well-earned bronze medal. This
pattern seemed to continue in the sparring for Katie as she took her second
bronze medal of the championships. I am sure this will not deter Katie and she
will return to the gym determined and focused on the next event.
Last up to compete was current UKITF sparring champion Dolci
Grove. Moved up to the 14years+ division we knew this would be a new challenge
for the young competitor, and she took it in her stride. Throughout he first fight
Dolci used her strength to out-power her opponent, forcing her onto the back
foot.
One fight down, one
confident win.
With the crowd watching on, Dolci faced a very talented
Irish fighter in the finals. Although Dolci dug deep and fought hard, on this
occasion her opponent stuck to her game plan and took the win. This was a sad
loss for the up and coming fighter however this loss will only encourage her to
train harder for their next meeting.
After closing speeches from Master Nicholls and Mr Flaherty
and an appearance from the mayor, the event was called to a close and we began
our long journey home. This was perhaps not our most successful trip away, but
for our young competitors this was an excellent learning curve and will entice
them to work harder and be more determined for their next competition……British
Championships here we come!
We would like to thank Mr Flaherty for running such a
successful competition, all the parents that took the time out of their busy
schedules to support the event and of course to the students that have worked
so hard in preparation for the event.
Written by: Trenic TKD - 2nd October 2014
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