UKITF NEWS...

WOW WHAT A CHAMPIONSHIPS!

The hottest day of year and the hottest tournament. This was the best Championships so far this year, it was full of cheers, tears and all the UKITF Masters where in attendance.
Master Nicholls (Imperial), Master Wolf (Imperial), Master Hogan (Hogan ITKD) Master Oldham (GTUK), Master Gayle (Puma) and Team UK Head coach Mr Ogbourne.

On the 10th July over 500 competitors and 200 spectators verged on our home town Reading to take part in this years UKITF Championships. There was a slightly different twist in the champs this year in that it was also the Junior World Selections for the up and coming ITF World Champs in Australia September 2006.

The Adult Black Belts were up first for the spectators to enjoy. Female Patterns were first, MRS HOUGHTON in the Third Degree patterns catergory who received a commendable 2nd Place. Next was the sparring for Mrs Houghton who although has not been training as much as she would like received a well earned 1st place.

Black Belt Patterns.

JOEL WILSON who demonstrated Pattern Ge-Beak in the 1st Degree Black Belt patterns event. Joel was placed 2nd and received a Silver medal. He was unlucky not to achieve a Gold, although to be placed 2nd against a Team UK member was more than credible.

The Mens Adult Black Belt Sparring - 71kg was a joy to be part of HANA, DOOL, SET (1,2,3) placing to say that Spirit / Imperial Taekwon-Do didn't dominate this weight category was an understatement we ROCKED IT!

Spirit Taekwon-Do chief instructor PAUL CAIN received a Gold medal defeating DANNY WELLAND with another outstanding effort in Kicking combinations.
Danny Welland back to his best, had a good day on all accounts and used his back fist & reverse punch combination to a formidable effect deafeating some good Taekwon-Do practioners along the way.

JOHN LARKIN in his first black belt event had an amazing day to get his 3rd place. His enthusiasum shone through as his tireless effort was a joy to watch. "That was my first sparring medal in a year". What a way to get back on form, Team UK & Spirit Taekwon-Do have a good sparring practitioner in John, the future looks even better now he has made the grade to 1ST Degree Black Belt.

RICHARD TROUGHTON also had a very good tournament, his sparring has improved over the last 6 months and his confidence in his ability is at an all time high. His positive attitude took him to bronze, only being defeated by Damien Smith also of Spirit Taekwon-Do.

DAMIEN SMITH proved today that winning is a habbit recieving a much deserved Gold! There was over 25 compettitors in the Blue Belt mens Heavy Weight Category and again Damien proved his all round ability in achieving a Bronze medal in the Colour Belt patterns.

JONNIE & BILLIE FENNER also recieved Gold medals in the Junior Girls, the competition was well represented in both there weight categorys -63kg and -58kg. This event was held next door with the Junior World Selections. "There were over 50 Black Belt Juniors competing to go to the ITF World Championships in Australia 2006".

AMBER HITCHINS recieved a bronze in sparring and just missed out of any medals for patterns. Amber also recieved a medal at the Welsh Open earlier this year. Miss Hitchins who is only 10 years of age hopes to take part in a World Junior Championships when she is old enough and recieving this medal will add to much needed experience for when that time arrives, Watch this space!

"Somtimes you feel as a student that you may have failed if you have not achieved a medal or not passed your own expectations. Keep trying and you will achieve everything you train for. All of the medal winners have lost many times, they just never gave up trying"!

As with all the events that are put on there is also alot of effort put in from your friends and family, mums & dads and I would like to say a big thankyou from Spirit Taekwon-Do to all of you!