|
|
April 2005
Dawn of the 2nd South East Opens
Visit the
Gallery for photographs of the event.
At 5 am on Sunday 3rd April,
the alarm clock rings — I realised it was the dawn of the 2nd South East Opens, which sent a major shiver down
my spine, as my members, the LTSI and I were all on show. This was because I was hosting the event, and for the
LTSI, because all the top students were taking part in what would turn out to be a very enjoyable and successful
day, especially for my school St. Albans Tae Kwon Do. After frantically ringing around at 6 am to make sure everyone
was up and making their way to the venue, I set off. Picking up another helper on the way, we arrived at the Marlborough
School Sports Complex, where my black belts and Instructors were waiting. We quickly unpacked the van and began
to set up the arena, which would hold four ITF sized rings and four good sized warm up areas.
At 8 am, all official helpers and most of the Instructors were at the venue. I was called to the control table,
as there was a problem which left me sweating and very worried — the main display board was not projecting, as
the laptop had died on us (no pre-tournament DVD of last year's event then!). After ringing for a replacement laptop,
an official on the day who, luckily, was a computer specialist stepped forward and found that the projector was
set incorrectly.
At 8.30 am, the hall was packed out with spectators and competitors — by this time, I was feeling like 'Shakin'
Stevens' (for those not as old as me, he was a pop star in the 80s!). I was reassured by the LTSI vice-chairman,
Mr. Smith, who said "Sir, this is your day. Tell everyone what you want. We are here because we believe in
you". My confidence was back — I immediately called all officials to the canteen, where I outlined what I
wanted from them, which was total fairness at all times during the day and support from all participating schools
and instructors.
After the pre-tournament meeting, I handed the event over to two senior Instructors I knew I could trust, Mr. Panteli,
4th Dan, and Mr. Adolph, 3rd Dan — as usual, I was going to take part so I needed some back-up to help run the
Black Belt section. Onto the Black Belt patterns, Mr. Slater, 5th Dan GTI, and I were asked to go against each
other as a crowd pleaser — well, in for a penny, in for a pound! After demonstrating Yoo Sin (3rd Dan pattern)
the crowd went mad — it was a two to one result in favour of Mr. Slater (I still say it was because he shouted
louder than me, because when he did shout, I nearly jumped out my skin!). Only joking, Mr. Slater!
On to the sparring; this was action-packed! First up was the 10's to 12's Black Belts and, boy, was it good! They
really went for it, but the victorious one was Mr. Sam Finch from Leek New Century Tae Kwon Do (Puma). Next up
in the 13's to 15's section was a junior world champion, Mr. Adam Gardener from Wolf Academy (ITA), who outsmarted
his opponent Mr. Aaron Axford from UKTC and demonstrated some quality Tae Kwon Do.
We then went onto the 16's plus males section, where three LTSI Black Belts were waiting to test their skill against
some of the UK-ITF team members. Like all the divisions in the competition, this one was open weights so most people
were nervous as they had never fought out of their weight division before. I can tell you the sparring was the
best I have seen in the UK to date and the skill was good, even from the heavier males. Out of this section, St
Albans LTSI gained a silver medal won by newly promoted black belt of two months, Mr. Matthew Bruce, who gave a
spirited fight to Mr. Paul Cain, 3rd Dan, a very experienced fighter from the ITA and a current member of the male
UK-ITF team. The LTSI also won a bronze medal from Mr. Iain Smith, 2nd Dan. Next up was the ladies Black Belt section
— there were some fantastic fights which, personally for me, were much more exciting to watch, as the technical
side was great.
Onto the breaking where, to kick the event off, jumping back kick would be required. Only one person broke, as
the red boards were fresh from the suppliers (I bounced off it, as I hit too high!) I can say they were as hard
as a rock. After was the hand breaking section where, again, the red boards were used. Mr Adolph said "Mr.
Snow, you're first" Gulp!! Oh well, here goes — I launched a hard reverse punch into the board and there was
no response (apart from the pain in my hand as the knuckles crumbled! And they say life is fair!). The crowd went
'AARGH' as I heard a voice saying "That's gotta hurt" — you ain't wrong mate! After switching to a different
board colour, Mr. Anslow from Rayners Lane and I ended smashing the boards down, until I gave up as I had picked
up an injury earlier — Mr. Anslow ended up winning this section. Now onto the jumping reverse turn — this was started
at a height of 8 foot. I managed to hit the board, but the rules I had stated was that the heel must hit first
or it would be a fault — I didn't manage this. "Who's going to reach that then," I heard the smaller
players saying. Hardly anyone did until it came down a foot or two. Again, Mr. Anslow was victorious.
At 11 o'clock, the event was started — four rings were set up and the show was on the road. After two hours of
patterns, I glanced across at the 10 foot by 9 foot leader board and saw St. Albans in 16th place (erm, not happy
at all!) Patterns were being won by TKD Power but not LTSI (I knew in all honesty we had not concentrated on patterns
in class though).
At 1.30 pm, the sparring started and St. Albans and Rayners Lane were in battle to get to the top — who would win
the LTSI Best School title? Rayners Lane, the defending champions, were not going to let the title go easily and
this was clear from the start! Gold medals were collected in a few divisions from the St. Albans school, then silvers
and many bronzes — as I looked over, I saw both Rayners Lane and St. Albans were at the top. Would we claim the
title back, or would Rayners Lane return home with the title once again?
After all the main championships, I looked at the board and realised that St. Albans was now in front with a massive
six point lead and thought "That's it, we've won the title!" as the 'King of the Ring' awards are not
included. I was pleased as I knew my members had worked hard to achieve this. Mr. Anslow was disappointed as he
was hoping to win the 'King of the Ring' sections and take the Best School title back to Rayners Lane again but,
after finding out that these were not part of the championships tally, he admitted defeat graciously and said "See
you in 2006, my friend!"
A good consolation prize was that both Mr. Anslow and his senior student Justin Goh won their respective 'King
of the Ring' titles. This was amazing, as the Black Belts involved in this event were fantastic athletes, but Mr.
Anslow still managed to defend his 2004 title. Will anyone ever take this man off his throne? The 'King of the
Ring' section is based on points — once you have gained 5 points, you go onto the next round until a winner is
found. There are three 'King of the Ring' titles up for grabs — an 11s to 13s mixed section, a 14s up colour belt
section and a 16s plus Black Belts only section. All 'King of the Ring' sections are mixed sexes so, if ever a
female wins, it will have to be re-named 'Queen of the Ring'! Many have vowed to return in 2006 but, to be honest,
we won the title once so we know it's possible to win again — however, I think Mr. Anslow will be back with a vengeance
in 2006, but that's the real fun in competition. After all, if we won every year, there would be no point in the
title.
Now for the 'thank you's'. St. Johns ambulance division were really good on the day — we had three first aiders
and a doctor on site which was really good, as any injured parties were dealt with quickly and professionally.
We also had 15 LTSI helpers (parents etc.) who all had important jobs on the day.
I must say thanks to my sisters Theresa and Mandy who both worked the laptops very professionally and kept the
display board always up to date, Christine for managing health and safety and Angie for taking care of all our
children on the day so we could concentrate on the tournament.
We had a few problems on the day, but what do you expect — it was the 2nd event and double the size of 2004. I
was really impressed with all the officials, as they worked tirelessly to keep the event running smoothly. Mr.
Panteli and Mr. Adolph both gave assistance during the day which helped loads, believe me. The canteen was again
run by my partner Tracey and her mum Mrs. P. Leonard, who both worked hard to keep the competitors and spectators
fully fed during the day. I am also told that the buffet and officials area was fit for a king (shame I didn't
get any, I was too busy sorting admin etc!). Thanks also go to 'Herts Signs' (who print all leisurewear for the
LTSI) for donating a banner advertising the event. In 2004, we had 40 outsiders take part — in 2005, 146 took part,
which shows that the South East Opens is moving forward. It was great to see almost all of last years' competitors
again and many of their friends taking part. The ITF also backed us by placing the event on their calendar.
We have had many good comments so far which is positive, to say the least. In 2006, we are hosting the 3rd South
East Opens, which I am sure will outdo the previous two (at least that's our overall goal). The South East Opens
is a championship run by a small association — the LTSI are in charge and no other parties help us, but I try to
get the seniors who attend to make suggestions where they see potential problems arising. With this event, there
are NO unfair decisions as all officials are from independent groups (which is why so many love the event). The
event is also forging the gap between non ITF and ITF practitioners, as some stay in contact after the event.
The main tournament site can be located at www.herts-itf.co.uk—
this features galleries, movies and results of the 2005 event and details of the 2006 event. We are also producing
a DVD of the patterns, sparring, breaking, special technique and 'King of the Ring' finals — expected cost £5.
On behalf of the LTSI we would like to thank all Instructors, parents and especially the competitors, as without
your support the South East Opens would not exist. We look forward to seeing all our new TKD brothers, sisters
and siblings at the 2006 event. With regards to who will win the 'Best School' title in 2006, one thing I do know
whoever it is will have to take on the best of the best in this business, as our Opens seems to be the place where
quality Tae Kwon Do'ists come to compete against each other. Winning the title once is a good achievement, but
doing it a second time would be fantastic. The most important part of any martial art is learning from our faults,
so in 2006, a tournament committee will be formed to help run the event — this will be made up of Instructors who
have been there since day one, who will advise and help us move the event forward into the future. We are not looking
to go into the thousand mark of people attending, but around the 400 mark will make it one of the best attended
events in the South East. After all, if you don't keep pushing you won't know what is achievable in life, will
you?
Mr. Chris Snow IV Degree L.T.S.I.
Chairman
| . |
|
..
|
School |
..
|
Gold
|
..
|
Silver
|
..
|
Bronze
|
..
|
Points
|
|
| . |
| |
St. Albans LTSI |
|
6
|
|
5
|
|
8
|
|
36
|
|
| |
Rayners Lane |
|
7
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
30
|
|
| |
Essex TKD |
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
2
|
|
17
|
|
| |
Bricket Wood TKD |
|
2
|
|
5
|
|
1
|
|
17
|
|
| |
Panteli TKD |
|
3
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
12
|
|
| |
N.C. TKD |
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
5
|
|
12
|
|
| |
Luton LTSI |
|
2
|
|
3
|
|
4
|
|
16
|
|
| |
Northampton GTUK |
|
|
|
2
|
|
8
|
|
12
|
|
| |
Leek New Century |
|
4
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
13
|
|
| |
Wolf Academy |
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
| |
Vella UKTC |
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
| |
Caversham Spirit |
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
| |
Camberley TKD |
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
| |
Wokingham Spirit |
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
| |
Darford TKD |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
| |
West Midlands TKD |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
| . |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
| . |
|
