Bristol martial artists win UK Championship titles

Martial artists from Bristol are celebrating after seven students took home UK champion titles.

Members of Thornbury Taekwondo Academy and Fishponds Taekwondo Academy took part in the UK International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Finals Day.

Only black belt students who had qualified at the National Championships were eligible to compete at the top-class competition, held in Reading.

Students also returned with silver medals and several have now qualified to compete in the European Championships, which will take place in Cardiff, Wales, in July.

Dedication

Instructor Master Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder, said: “The students have dedicated years of hard work to make it to this level of competition.

“Only a small per centage make it to finals and it is in itself a great achievement. I’m proud of the students’ performance and conduct throughout.

“We look forward to watching the team represent Bristol and the UK on the international stage this summer.”

 

The competitors all attend black belt clinics and squad training every other Saturday, as well as their weekly classes with the club.

Five per cent compete

It is said only five per cent of ITF Taekwondo students take part in competitions.

 

But the teams at Fishponds and Thornbury, combined known as UK ITF Region 7 Taekwondo, are active in the competitive arena.

Eleven colour belt students from Fishponds took part in the Elite Martial Arts Professionals (EMAP) competition held in Thornbury Leisure Centre – winning 16 medals in total.

 

 

The team took home four golds, nine silvers and three bronze medals.

And 23 competitors from Region 7 took part in the South-West Open Championships, which was held in Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton.

The teams, which came back with 32 medals, also supplied umpires and coaches on the day.

Instructor Gavin Reader, who is a 3rd degree Black Belt in the Korean-based martial art and has been a sports coach for two decades, said he was proud of the students’ efforts.

Dad-of-three Gavin, who has worked as a paramedic and is a project manager for the NHS “It takes guts to step on the mat and I think those who take part in competitions should be proud of their achievements – whether they win medals or not.

“I think competitions are a great way to learn and challenge yourself as a martial artist. The team performed well and showed good sporting behaviour.”

 

Health benefits of Taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

·         Thornbury Taekwondo Academy train at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with Black Belt and squad training at Turnberrie’s Community Centre every other weekend.  For more information, call 07866 685099, email info@ thornburytkd.com or visit the website thonrburytkd.co.uk Or Thornbury TKD Facebook or Instagram page.

·         Fishponds Taekwondo Academy train at Lyde Green Community Centre every Wednesday and Friday. The first lesson is FREE. For more information, contact Gavin on 07500 764276 or email fishpondstkd@yahoo.com Alternatively, visit www.fishpondstkd.co.uk or Fishponds Taekwondo Academy Facebook or Instagram page.

 

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