Region 1 compete at the Challenger Cup
On the 6th November 4 students from Region 1 travelled out to
Sitges Barcelona to compete in the much anticipated Challenger Cup 2015. With
competitors across Europe in attendance, including Germany, Poland, England and
Wales, we knew this going to be a very competitive and fast paced event.
Represent Region 1 was Mr. Reece Nicholls, Mr. Danny Welland, Miss Umbreen
Khan and Mr. Ryan Meridith. After weeks of hard training the team was feeling confident
and determined against what turned out to be very tough competition.
Up first was our junior hopeful Ryan Meridith. After a disappointing loss in
his pattern finals, Ryan was more motivated than ever to take top spot in the
sparring.......which he did in spectacular fashion. Facing a talented junior opponent
in the finals, Ryan stuck to his game plan and with solid punch combinations
and effective side-kicks, took a well-earned win for him and the team.
Spirits high, the next competitor to enter the ring was current welter
weight World Champion Reece Nicholls. Moving up to the Middle Weight division,
Reece fought through two tough rounds before reaching the finals. With the team
cheering from the side lines Reece used his ring craft and experience to
control the fight and take the second gold for Region 1.
Representing in the ladies division was Umbreen Khan. Breezing through her
first two rounds of patterns, Umbreen was growing in confidence and motivation
stepping into the finals. Facing a very talented competitor, Umbreen had to
settle for 2rd place in a close contested match. Left fired up for
the sparring, Umbreen drew a very tough and experienced fighter in the first
round. Pushing each other to the final bell, Umbreen ended down the score cards
taking a well-deserved bronze medal.
The last student of the day to compete in the senior category was seasoned
competitor and current European Champion Danny Welland. With an impressive
line-up of competitors Danny knew this was going to be a challenge!! With the
home crowd behind his opponent Danny was pushed throughout the fight scoring
clean punches followed by well-timed kicks. Unfortunately this was no to be
Danny’s day, leaving the comp with a Bronze medal and a new desire to train
even harder for the next bid challenge.
After a successful day of competing the team was able to return back to the
hotel for a quick rest before meeting up for dinner and a celebratory drink in
Sitges. Rested and ready for day two the team was privileged to a Masters
workshop headed up by Master Perez. Covering traditional tul, sparring and self-defense
techniques the team enjoyed learning new ideas whilst meeting and forging new
friendships in the process.
The team would like to thank Master Perez and the organising committee for
what was a very enjoyable and professional run event, one that we will no doubt
be attending again in the future. As a Region we would also like to
congratulate our competitors who travelled out and represented the Region as
well as our well-coordinated admin team for all their hard work behind the
scenes.
Written by: Trenic TKD - 26th November 2015
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