Success at UKTA English Open

Congratulations to the students of Grandmaster Howard’s Taekwon-Do School who performed so well at the recent UKTA’s English Open Championships in Guildford. The six students; Emmet, Eoin, Finn, Joyce, Max, and Sofia, were part of the RITA’s colourbelt squad development programme and represented Ireland at the event.

All the students did themselves and their coach (Mr Adam Fox) proud and moved their performance up a level on the day. ‘They all listened to their instructions and often had to did deep to win. The sections were big, and it was great that they got 3 or 4 rounds of experience before reaching the medals’ said Mr Fox.

The young martial artists returned to Dublin with a total of 11 medals. The medals; 6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze, were won across all three events (patterns, sparring and special technique).

The students, who come from Blanchardstown, Cabra, Castleknock, and Navan road, are still only 11 and 12 years old and showed that they are prepared to work hard and make sacrifices to improve their Taekwon-Do skills.

‘All six of them have come up through our Tigers and Dragons (children’s development programme) and have been training since they were 6 or 7 years old’ said Master Howard. ‘They have developed really well and being part of the colour belt squad has helped them to move up to the next level’ he added.

But as we know Taekwon-Do is more than about winning medals. It is about self-improvement and moral development. This is best summed up by what Mr Fox said to the squad at the end of the successful day. ‘What made me happy today was that the umpires and officials complimented you on your courtesy, respect and politeness. Your hard work, training and desire to be better were evident in your performances today. The medals were a bonus’.

Mr Leon McSherry and Mr Patrick Choi also competed at the weekend. Mr McSherry won silver in the 3^rd/4^th degree patterns. While Mr Choi won a bronze in the 2^nd Degree patterns.

Mr Fox and Master Howard would like to thank all the parents who supported their children during the trip and over the months of preparation. They would also like to thank the tournament organiser Mr David Norris and the UKTA members for their hospitality and warm welcome over the weekend, and for hosting a tournament of the highest standard. Finally thanks to the National Team black belts who shared their experience and coaching skills with the squad members on the day

Results