Southern Taekwondo Championships - 01/06/08 Report

Report By: Stephanie Gooch (4th Kup, Blue belt, Age15)

The Southern Taekwondo Championships, at Littledown Centre, Bournemouth, was held over 2 days. Day one was for patterns and Day two was for sparring. I took part in both events and collected 2 silver medals which I was pleased with.

The first day started out around 1.30pm, and as time progressed all the different age groups competed. I was against two red tags that were older than me. I won my first round and was into the final, unfortunately halfway through the pattern I choked and missed a move! A reminder to us all - always concentrate on what you are doing! This meant that I came in second which was ok. I just want to say thanks to Mr. Murray who came on the Saturday to coach me. I couldn’t have done it without him.

The next day started a lot earlier as we had to weigh in at 8-8:30am. It was much busier with clubs from all over the south of England competing and there was a real sense of competition in the air. After the weigh-in we relaxed until our fights began.

Tom came out with gold. Charlie, within only 20 seconds, did a fantastic back kick and knocked his competitor out and won immediately, he got gold. As for me, I was against an experienced black belt, unfortunately, but I tried hard to kick and even though I did receive 2 blows to the head I did get up and got silver. As a club we got 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze.

Overall it was a tiring but brilliant day and I really felt that we got to know each other a little bit more. Dean said we were like a family (unfortunately one that kicks each other!) rather than just a club and it really felt like it. Big thanks to Cathy and Dean for coaching us, Mr Murray (and family) for moral support and Katherina for taking pictures.