Banstead TaeKwon-Do had an epic time at the TaeKwon-Do Impact Open Championships 2023 which was held on July 9th at The Dolphin Centre in Haywards Heath.

Thank you to the organisers

TaeKwon-Do Impact are our governing body and our link to ITF England (NGB) and we thank the organisers Grand Master Nardizzi and Mr Howard Mayes for putting on a good day for all competitors, parents, supporters and spectators.

Thank you to all the officials

Without Blackbelts sacrificing their day to officiate, referee, umpire, score and help, there would be no competition. Many of us where there for 12 hours. This year Banstead sent umpires:

• Me

• Conor

• Georgia

• Dan

• Ethan

• Edie

What is an ITF TaeKwon-Do Competition?

TaeKwon-Do progress can be measured in several ways and one of those is Competitions and tournaments.

There are several aspects of TaeKwon-Do that we compete in and all students are encouraged to compete and to take part in all aspects.

We compete in:

• Patterns: traditional movements in a fixed and logical sequence, offensive and defensive, against an imaginary opponent. As a person is graded to higher levels in the Art the Patterns become more complex for the body and mind.

• Sparring: we use a subset of TaeKwon-Do Techniques to a few select targets in a semi-contact continuous fashion within an open square ring. Competitors wear protective gloves, boots and head gear to minimise injuries.

• Special Technique / Jumping Kicks: students perform flying kicks to precise targets using specified techniques. Correct attacking tools must be used to acquire points

• Power Breaking: Over 18's use specified techniques to hit regulation boards, if you break the most boards using correct technique you get the most points.

TaeKwon-Do competitions are conducted in a professional manner following rules from the International TaeKwon-Do Federation. All officials and umpires have relevant training and experience.

Congratulations

All competitors who took part, from all clubs, at the TaeKwon-Do Impact Open should be very proud of themselves. While over 200 hundred students competed that day, so many didn't. The ones who competed are the ones who will quickly progress in skill and character.

Banstead TaeKwon-Do had 19 competitors and everyone did well, just stepping on the mats is a win. We won 19 medals:

• 8 Gold

• 4 Silver

• 7 Bronze

We have skill level in depth across the board and at each grade level. We won gold medals in Blackbelt sparring and Blackbelt patterns; Golds in Colour belt sparring, patterns and special technique, with medals in all divisions and all events and even an adult male power test Bronze medal.

As the club instructor, I am incredibly proud.

What's it like? Have a look?

Want to try TaeKwon-Do in Banstead?

Banstead TaeKwon-Do offers professional training in ITF TaeKwon-Do to all ages:

TINY TKD 4 - 7 year olds

JUNIOR TKD 7 - 12 year olds

SENIOR TKD Teens and Adults

Email james@BansteadTKD.co.uk to attend a trial and ask any questions you may have.

-------------------------------------------------- James Davis 5th Degree International Instructor & Examiner Banstead TaeKwon-Do m: 07850 438 898 e: james@bansteadtkd.co.uk w: www.bansteadtkd.co.uk

i: www.instagram.com/bansteadtaekwondo/ f: www.facebook.com/BansteadTKD/ t: twitter.com/bansteadtkd -------------------------------------------------